Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1086: An Act related to public safety and police evidence review

HD 1086 requires all law enforcement departments to provide necessary resources - such as training or technology - to help officers accurately state facts related to evidence. This applies directly to police departments and overrides any conflicting existing laws. The bill’s key mechanism mandates that departments allocate these resources to ensure officer statements about evidence are precise and reliable. It directly affects law enforcement agencies by requiring them to adjust resource allocation practices to meet this standard.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 787: An Act relative to dangerousness hearings

This bill (SD 787) expands when prosecutors can request pretrial detention based on dangerousness for defendants charged with specific serious offenses, such as violent crimes (e.g., burglary, assault with a weapon), sex offenses involving children, repeat offenses like third DUIs, or abuse violations under protection orders. It requires courts to use "clear and convincing evidence" to justify detention, not just a lower standard, and mandates annual analysis to ensure fair application across racial, gender, and ethnic groups. The bill also adds procedures for reopening hearings if new evidence emerges and requires courts to share data on dangerousness hearings with the public. It directly affects defendants charged with listed offenses and courts handling pretrial detention decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1293: An Act banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement

HD 1293 bans law enforcement officers and agencies from purchasing, using, or allowing the use of tear gas or CS gas during operations. This law directly affects all police departments and officers in the state, prohibiting the use of these chemical agents on individuals. The key provision makes it a crime to violate the ban, punishable by a $5,000 criminal fine. The bill aims to restrict the use of specific chemical irritants that cause rapid sensory or physical effects during police encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1608: An Act relative to health insurance and incarcerated individuals

HD 1608 requires health insurance carriers to cover all medically necessary care for incarcerated individuals who have health insurance through themselves or their family. If the individual or family cannot pay co-pays or deductibles, the insurance company can seek reimbursement from the Department of Corrections instead. The bill also mandates that insurers waive extra fees for using non-preferred medical providers while the person is incarcerated. This directly affects incarcerated people with health insurance, their insurers, and the Department of Corrections.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections Insurance

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2077: An Act concerning assault of a sports official

This bill (HD 2077) creates new criminal penalties for assaulting sports officials during or related to sporting events. It classifies assaults causing basic bodily injury as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine), assaults requiring medical care as a felony (up to 2 years or $2,000 fine), and assaults causing serious impairment as a felony (up to 5 years or $5,000 fine). Venues must post signs explaining these penalties and provide escorts to officials upon request, with violations carrying a $500 civil fine. The law directly affects individuals who assault officials and facilities hosting sporting events.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2000: An Act regarding willful injury to public defenders and other court personnel

HD 2000 adds criminal penalties for harming court personnel. It makes it a crime to willfully cause serious bodily injury to public defenders, district attorney's office staff, probation officers, or other court system employees. Offenders face up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine. The bill directly affects individuals who physically harm these specific court workers and strengthens legal protections for them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1684: An Act increasing voter registration and participation to help prevent recidivism

HD 1684 would require Massachusetts correctional facilities to actively assist incarcerated people convicted of felonies with voting. Specifically, it mandates facilities to provide absentee ballot applications to eligible individuals during incarceration and offer voter registration assistance during the release process. The bill also requires facilities to notify prisoners about voting rights restoration upon release and submit updated voter eligibility lists to the Secretary of State for inclusion in the statewide voter database. This directly affects approximately 8,234 people currently denied voting rights due to felony convictions while incarcerated, disproportionately impacting communities of color where 58% of disfranchised individuals reside.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1682: An Act for second look

This bill (HD 1682, "An Act for second look") allows incarcerated individuals who were under 25 at the time of their offense to petition for sentence reductions after serving 10 years (15 years if the offense involved loss of life), or those aged 26+ after 12 years (18 years for loss of life). The Department of Corrections must notify eligible individuals at 9 and 14 years of incarceration, and petitions require specific documentation proving eligibility, including medical conditions like dementia or HIV that may expedite hearings. Courts must deny petitions with clear reasoning, restrict re-filing to 2-5 years after denial, and appoint counsel if requested. It directly affects incarcerated people meeting age and time criteria, with no waiver of eligibility allowed.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1648: An Act relative to the intimidation of witnesses and interfering with justice

HD 1648 (An Act relative to the intimidation of witnesses and interfering with justice) makes it a crime to threaten, harass, or interfere with individuals involved in legal proceedings. It directly affects witnesses, jurors, judges, police, attorneys, and others who participate in criminal investigations, trials, or civil cases like housing or family court. The law criminalizes actions such as sending threatening messages (including via email or text), causing physical or emotional harm, or intimidating people to prevent them from testifying or cooperating with investigations. Violators face up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, or both.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2468: An Act relative to postsecondary education in correctional facilities

This bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of postsecondary education programs in correctional facilities. It mandates evaluating current program access (including Pell Grant use), unmet demand among incarcerated people, facility infrastructure needs, and policy barriers like classification rules or transfer practices. The assessment will gather input from incarcerated students, higher education providers, and relevant state agencies to identify improvements needed for expanding high-quality, workforce-aligned education. The findings must be reported to the legislature by January 1, 2026, to guide future program expansion and coordination.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Corrections Student Financial Aid Testing & Assessment

All criminal justice bills