Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1847: An Act preventing false confessions

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1847) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian relative to preventing false confessions. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePreventing false confessions directly protects civil rights and addresses a key criminal justice reform issue by reducing wrongful convictions and enhancing accountability.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 1128: An Act to implement recommendations of the commission on structural racism in the parole process

S 1128 implements specific recommendations from a commission that studied racial disparities in the parole process. The bill directly affects individuals navigating parole decisions within the state's criminal justice system. Key provisions require state parole boards to adopt new procedures and data collection methods to address identified racial biases. These changes aim to create a more equitable parole process by mandating transparency and accountability measures based on the commission's findings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAddresses racial disparities in parole through new procedures/data collection, promoting equity in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1086: An Act relative to judicial oversight

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1086) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to judicial oversight of prisons housing. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes judicial oversight of prisons, enhancing accountability in corrections - a key criminal justice reform measure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1894: An Act promoting equity in traffic stops

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1894) of Samantha Montaño relative to evidence obtained during traffic stops in criminal proceedings. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly promotes equity in traffic stops, addressing police accountability and reducing potential bias in law enforcement practices, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1960: An Act establishing presumptive parole

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1960) of David M. Rogers and Joanne M. Comerford relative to establishing presumptive parole using structured, actuarially-based guidelines. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes presumptive parole using structured, actuarially-based guidelines, promoting evidence-based release to reduce incarceration and support rehabilitation, a core criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1848: An Act relative to judicial discretion for probation

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1848) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian relative to judicial discretion for probation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants judges discretion in probation, aligning with criminal justice reform by allowing individualized sentencing to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1162: An Act relative to judicial discretion for probation

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1162) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to judicial discretion for probation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants judges discretion in probation decisions, promoting individualized sentencing and reducing mandatory incarceration, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2048: An Act decriminalizing non-violent and verbal student misconduct

By Representative Williams of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2048) of Bud L. Williams relative to decriminalizing non-violent and verbal student misconduct. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes non-violent student misconduct, reducing criminal justice system involvement - aligns with reform indicators like reducing unnecessary criminalization.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2059: An Act relative to eliminating cashless bail

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2059) of Steven George Xiarhos and Joseph D. McKenna relative to cashless bail. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates cash bail, reducing pretrial detention based on wealth, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1976: An Act to track the implementation of the Brangan ruling

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1976) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to the reporting of bail and charges to the Committee for Public Counsel Services. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeTracks implementation of Brangan ruling (bail reform), ensuring fair treatment and compliance with court order, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice.90% confidence

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