Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 333: An Act relative to dangerous high speed pursuits

HD 333 creates new penalties for drivers who recklessly evade police during high-speed pursuits. It makes it a crime to refuse to stop for an officer in uniform (displaying a badge) and then operate a vehicle negligently or recklessly in public areas to endanger others, with the intent to avoid arrest. Offenders face up to 5 years in state prison, 2.5 years in jail, or a $2,500 fine. Additionally, a mandatory $250 assessment is added for convicted individuals, with all funds going directly to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, and this fee cannot be reduced or waived.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes stricter penalties (up to 5 years) for reckless evasion of police, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 826: An Act relative to the postpartum treatment of women in correctional facilities

HD 826 requires correctional facilities to keep incarcerated women in the hospital after childbirth until two medical professionals approve discharge: the attending physician must certify the mother's safety, and the infant's pediatrician must confirm the baby has had sufficient time with the mother (up to a maximum of 72 hours) to ensure the infant's health. This bill directly affects pregnant and postpartum women in state correctional facilities and their newborn infants. The key provision replaces the previous language with a specific 72-hour maximum stay requirement tied to medical assessments for both mother and infant. The law aims to ensure both the mother's and infant's health are medically verified before transfer back to the facility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates medical certification for postpartum care in correctional facilities, improving conditions for incarcerated mothers and infants, aligning with humane corrections reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates medical certification for postpartum discharge in correctional facilities, ensuring maternal/infant health oversight and access to care per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2096: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

SD 2096 creates a state program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure housing after release. It requires state housing agencies and programs to prioritize housing for people transitioning from prison, including providing housing vouchers and connecting them to short-term and permanent housing options. The law mandates annual reviews of housing programs to track who benefits, ensure compliance with priority rules, and gather feedback from returning citizens and community organizations. It amends multiple housing statutes (including Chapters 40, 40B, and 40H) to include this priority requirement for housing projects receiving state funds.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates housing program for returning citizens, reducing recidivism by addressing reentry barriers - directly supports criminal justice reform90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates housing agencies to prioritize formerly incarcerated individuals with vouchers and housing connections, directly advancing affordable housing access for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentHousing assistance for returning citizens addresses a key barrier to employment, supporting workforce reintegration and aligning with labor/employment goals of reducing barriers to work.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1393: Resolve establishing a special commission on the treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 156) of Joan B. Lovely and Susannah M. Whipps that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to tthe treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes commission to study treatment of disabled offenders, aligning with reform goals to improve system fairness and accommodations for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2270: An Act promoting equity in traffic stops

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1182) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to evidence obtained during a traffic stop. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes equity in traffic stops, aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing racial profiling and enhancing police accountability.90% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1302: An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements

HD 1302 raises the standard of proof in civil asset forfeiture cases from "probable cause" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" for the state to seize property, making it harder to forfeit assets. It creates a Special Public Attorney and Drug Rehabilitation Trust Fund, funded by forfeiture proceeds, to provide free legal defense for low-income individuals and support drug treatment, mental health services, and prevention programs. The bill also requires law enforcement to file court complaints within a set timeframe for property seizures of $3,000 or more and mandates a stay in civil forfeiture cases until related criminal cases are resolved. Additionally, it requires annual public reports detailing the fund's finances, expenditures, and outcomes from funded programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds drug treatment/legal defense via forfeiture proceeds, directing existing revenue to public services per bill's trust fund provision95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRaises burden of proof in asset forfeiture, creates legal defense fund & rehab programs, aligns with reform goals95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates Drug Rehabilitation Trust Fund funding mental health services via forfeiture proceeds, directly supporting mental health care access as per topic description.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1350: An Act establishing mandatory post release supervision in the Commonwealth

This bill establishes mandatory post-release supervision for most individuals released from prison in Massachusetts. It requires a period equal to 25% of their maximum prison sentence (minimum nine months) for those sentenced to incarceration, excluding people on probation, parole, or lifetime community parole. Supervision is managed by the probation office for short sentences (under one year) or the parole board for longer sentences, with early termination possible after nine months under specific conditions like stable housing and employment. Violations can lead to increased supervision, short jail terms, or extended supervision periods, but do not automatically trigger new criminal charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates post-release supervision to reduce recidivism, allowing early termination after 9 months, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1593: An Act establishing the Massachusetts correctional officer accountability and standards training Commission

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1723) of Liz Miranda and William N. Brownsberger for legislation to establish the Massachusetts correctional officer accountability and standards training Commission. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes accountability and standards training for correctional officers, directly advancing corrections reform and oversight within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1590: An Act protecting inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly addresses 'expenditure of state funds' to protect inmate safety, aligning with fiscal responsibility and proper budget management.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects inmate safety, a core correctional aspect of criminal justice, aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 52: An Act to support police recruitment and retention

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1766) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to support police recruitment and retention. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to strengthen law enforcement through police recruitment/retention support, directly advancing public safety within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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