Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1984: An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

HD 1984 amends Massachusetts law regarding controlled substances possession. It replaces criminal penalties for possessing a controlled substance without authorization with a requirement for a needs screening. This screening, conducted by trained professionals using trauma-informed practices, identifies health, housing, employment, or legal service needs. Completing the screening within 45 days dismisses the citation, and it does not count as an admission of guilt. The bill directly affects individuals charged with this offense, shifting focus from punishment to connecting them with supportive services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces criminal penalties for drug possession with health screenings, promoting harm reduction and racial justice reform while dismissing citations without admission of guilt.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3401: An Act to save lives by distributing Narcan to individuals at risk for an opioid overdose

HD 3401 requires state and county correctional facilities to provide Narcan (an opioid antagonist) and education about its use to individuals upon release who have a history of opioid use, an opioid use disorder diagnosis, or a prior opioid overdose. The bill mandates that facilities dispense at least two doses of Narcan to these individuals or their legal guardian, along with instructions on proper use and community access points. This policy directly affects people transitioning from incarceration who are at high risk for opioid overdose. The law aims to reduce overdose deaths by ensuring immediate access to life-saving medication during a critical post-release period.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates Narcan distribution in correctional facilities to prevent overdose deaths among released individuals, reducing recidivism through harm reduction - a key criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Narcan distribution and education in correctional facilities for opioid overdose prevention, directly enhancing public health access and saving lives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · Massachusetts · House May 12, 2025

HD 3470: An Act relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities

By Representatives Donaghue of Westborough and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4123) of Kate Donaghue and Andres X. Vargas relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDistributes opioid antagonists in correctional facilities to prevent overdose deaths, promoting health rehabilitation and reducing recidivism in corrections, a core criminal justice reform focus.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1955: An Act relative to fentanyl test strips

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Schwartz of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1955) of David M. Rogers, Greg Schwartz and others relative to the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizing fentanyl test strips reduces criminal penalties for possession, aligns with harm reduction reform, and promotes public health within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDecriminalizing fentanyl test strips increases public health access to harm reduction tools, directly supporting overdose prevention and patient safety within healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 123: An Act eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses

This bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for specific drug offenses covered under sections 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E of Chapter 94C. It removes language requiring minimum prison terms for these offenses and replaces it with maximum fine limits (ranging from $10,000 to $500,000) while eliminating the mandatory minimum prison component. The change directly affects individuals convicted of qualifying drug offenses under these amended sections, giving judges discretion to impose sentences without mandatory prison time. The bill modifies sentencing structures by focusing solely on fine caps rather than prison terms for these specific drug-related convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates mandatory minimum drug sentences, granting judicial discretion - core criminal justice reform aligned with reducing harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 769: An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

This bill amends Massachusetts law regarding controlled substance possession by replacing criminal penalties with a needs-based screening process for first-time offenders. It requires individuals cited for possessing controlled substances (without valid prescription) to complete a trauma-informed needs assessment within 45 days, identifying health, housing, employment, or legal service needs. Completion of the screening dismisses the citation without creating legal admissions or findings. The screening must be conducted by trained professionals using culturally and gender-competent practices, prioritizing the individual's self-identified needs. The law directly affects people charged with non-prescription possession of controlled substances, shifting focus from punishment to connecting them with support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces criminal penalties for drug possession with trauma-informed needs assessment, reducing recidivism and addressing racial justice through non-punitive diversion.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReplaces criminal penalties with trauma-informed health needs assessments for drug possession, advancing healthcare access by connecting legal cases to health services instead of punishment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3398: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

This bill requires Massachusetts correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) to incarcerated individuals within 24 hours of admission if clinically indicated, and to maintain the same treatment a person was receiving before incarceration. It prohibits denying or discontinuing MAT due to positive drug screens, disciplinary actions, or other barriers, and mandates access to addiction specialists for ongoing care. The bill also requires re-entry planning at least 120 days before release, including referrals for continued treatment, opioid antagonist doses, and assistance with MassHealth benefits. These changes apply to all state and county correctional facilities and aim to ensure consistent care for people with substance use disorders during and after incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates MAT in correctional facilities, improving rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals aligned with evidence-based treatment standards.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates MAT access within 24 hours and continuity of care for incarcerated individuals, expanding addiction treatment access under healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 960: An Act to ensure the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies

HD 960 bans the manufacture, sale, possession, or operation of robotic devices (including drones) equipped with weapons like firearms or explosives. It applies to all individuals and businesses, with key exceptions for the military, defense contractors under specific contracts or waivers, and law enforcement for limited purposes like bomb disposal. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain warrants before using robotic devices on private property for surveillance or to conduct operations involving weapons. Violations carry prison terms of up to 15 years for repeat offenses or fines up to $15,000. It also mandates public reporting of law enforcement robot use and allows civil lawsuits for violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants for law enforcement robot use on private property, enhancing privacy protections and accountability in criminal justice operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3765: An Act restoring judicial discretion in controlled substance cases

This bill (HD 3765) removes mandatory minimum prison sentences for many non-violent drug offenses in Massachusetts. It amends Chapter 94C to replace strict minimum penalties with sentencing ranges, giving judges discretion to consider individual circumstances. Specifically, it revises Sections 32 and 32E to set maximum sentences (e.g., 15 years in state prison) instead of mandatory minimums for offenses like drug trafficking above certain weight thresholds. The law directly affects people convicted of non-violent drug cases, aiming to reduce mass incarceration and address disparities in sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenses, restoring judicial discretion to consider individual circumstances - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 873: An Act relative to treatment, not incarceration

HD 873 changes how courts handle probation for individuals with substance use disorders. It requires courts to assess whether someone on probation needs treatment instead of solely mandating drug testing. If treatment is ordered, courts must use licensed providers or evidence-based programs and cannot impose extra testing beyond the treatment plan. Crucially, a positive test or relapse during treatment is not considered a probation violation, shifting focus from punishment to supporting recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts probation focus from punishment to treatment for substance use disorders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals by prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates treatment over incarceration for substance use disorders, improving access to healthcare services and removing punitive barriers to recovery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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