Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1813: An Act promoting fairness in parole

By Representative Keefe of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1813) of Mary S. Keefe and Patricia A. Duffy relative to the temporary custody of parolees. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes fairness in parole process, directly aligning with criminal justice reform goals like equitable treatment and system improvement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1990: An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

By Representatives Sena of Acton and González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1990) of Danillo A. Sena and Carlos González relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates transparency and data reporting on civil asset forfeiture, enhancing accountability and aligning with criminal justice reform efforts.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1937: An Act relative to the Commonwealth’s right to appeal bail decisions

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1937) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., and Brian M. Ashe for legislation to further regulate the bail process. The Judiciary.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill allows state to appeal bail decisions, potentially increasing pretrial detention and restricting defendant rights, opposing reform efforts85% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1872: An Act to improve transparency in alleged police misconduct

By Representative Markey of Dartmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1872) of Christopher M. Markey relative to alleged police misconduct. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates transparency in police misconduct cases, directly enhancing law enforcement accountability - a core criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1063: An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1063) of Julian Cyr for legislation to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnhances crime victims' rights, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform as per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 2636: An Act creating an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the special legislative commission on structural racism in correctional facilities of the Commonwealth

By Representatives Holmes of Boston and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2636) of Russell E. Holmes, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to authorize an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates independent oversight for correctional facilities to address structural racism, advancing criminal justice reform through enhanced accountability and equity measures.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 65: An Act ensuring the enforcement of mandatory minimums for firearm related crimes

This bill (HD 65) modifies sentencing rules for firearm-related crimes by removing judicial immunity for judges who fail to impose mandatory minimum sentences or release offenders on bail. Specifically, judges who do not enforce the required minimum sentence (Section p) or grant bail for such offenses (Section q) could face civil lawsuits for damages caused by the offender after release. The law directly affects judges and court officials handling firearm crime cases in Massachusetts. It creates new civil liability for judicial decisions regarding sentencing and bail in these cases, without changing the mandatory minimum sentence requirements themselves.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeEnforces mandatory minimums for firearm crimes, restricting judicial discretion and increasing sentencing severity - directly opposing criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

Track

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

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 408: An Act relative to voting rights restoration

This bill removes automatic voting restrictions for people with felony convictions by amending two sections of state law. It deletes language that previously excluded individuals convicted of felonies (or incarcerated for felonies) from voting rights. As a result, people with felony convictions - whether currently incarcerated or not - will regain voting eligibility without needing additional legal steps. The bill directly affects all state residents who have been convicted of a felony and meet other standard voting requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for felons, promoting rehabilitation and civil rights - key criminal justice reform indicator95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 412: An Act protecting bank employees and customers

This bill strengthens penalties for crimes against banks and credit unions. It imposes a minimum 5-year prison sentence for armed robbery at banks or credit unions (with a 15-year minimum for repeat offenses), and a 30-month minimum for attempted robbery. The law explicitly includes "attempted robbery" of these institutions in the definition of criminal robbery. These changes directly affect bank/credit union employees, customers, and anyone committing such crimes, by increasing sentencing severity for offenses targeting financial institutions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum sentences (5-15 years) for bank robberies, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights through harsher penalties without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

Track