Criminal Justice (Corrections)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 523: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

HD 523 imposes a 5-year moratorium on new prison construction and facility expansions in Massachusetts. It prohibits state and public agencies from building new correctional facilities, increasing existing facility capacity, converting dormant facilities for detention, or renovating facilities in ways that would raise bed capacity (though routine maintenance for safety and compliance is allowed). County sheriffs may transfer up to 30 beds between county facilities if one closes, but cannot expand overall capacity. The law delays implementation for 5 years after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill halts new prison construction/expansions, aligning with criminal justice reform to reduce incarceration rates and prevent system expansion.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 821: An Act related to educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults

This bill (SD 821) requires state prisons and county correctional facilities to provide diverse educational programming for incarcerated individuals aged 18-25 who lack a high school diploma or equivalent. It mandates at least one high school equivalency program (like HiSET) with credit toward graduation, plus specialized classes such as college readiness, vocational training, or workforce development. Facilities must ensure all eligible individuals have access to at least four hours of daily programming, with at least four hours spent in group settings (not in cells), and maximize in-cell tablet learning as additional time. The bill also prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits and educational institutions specializing in serving this age group, and staff with relevant lived experience.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates educational programming for rehab, reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform goal for correctional facilities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates educational programming including high school equivalency and vocational training for incarcerated individuals, expanding access to education for a marginalized group.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates workforce development programs for incarcerated individuals, directly enhancing post-release employment readiness and aligning with labor & employment workforce standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Career & Technical Education Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1709: An Act providing appropriate care for certain populations

This bill creates mandatory "Forensic Units" within certain facilities for specific patient populations. It defines these units as physically separate spaces with incarceration-like restrictions, specialized staff training, and appropriate environments. The law requires that individuals admitted under conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (e) of certain facility admission rules must initially be placed in these Forensic Units. The direct effect is on patients meeting those admission criteria, ensuring they receive care in a designated unit rather than standard facility units. The bill focuses on structural requirements for facility placement, not on treatment protocols or funding.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandatory 'Forensic Units' with incarceration-like restrictions increase confinement, opposing reform by expanding restrictive conditions rather than promoting rehabilitation.85% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareImposes incarceration-like restrictions on patients, limiting autonomy and access - contrary to healthcare support principles like patient rights and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2388: An Act strengthening synthetic drug laws in correctional facilities

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1753) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Paul K. Frost, David T. Vieira and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit Class C synthetic chemical substance, or agent that has mind altering or mood changing effects in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill strengthens punitive drug laws in prisons, expanding criminalization within corrections rather than advancing reform or rehabilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 297: An Act to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ People

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1660) of Julian Cyr for legislation to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly promotes rehabilitation programs for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like improved rehabilitation and civil rights protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees healthcare access and treatment for incarcerated LGBTQI+ individuals, directly advancing health services in correctional settings per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 671: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2114) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes jail/prison construction moratorium, directly limiting correctional infrastructure expansion. This aligns with criminal justice reform goals to reduce mass incarceration and promote alternatives, a clear support indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3522: An Act relative to corrections officer safety

This bill strengthens penalties for assaulting corrections officers and Department of Corrections staff while they're performing their duties. It mandates a minimum 1-year prison sentence (not less than 1 year) for anyone causing serious bodily injury to these workers through assault, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000. The law prohibits probation, parole, sentence reductions, or early release until the mandatory minimum term is served, and defines "serious bodily injury" as permanent disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or substantial risk of death. The bill directly affects corrections officers (who gain enhanced legal protection) and individuals convicted of such assaults (who face stricter sentencing).

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 1-year minimum sentence for assaults on corrections staff, prohibits probation/early release, increasing punitive measures per indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates minimum sentences for assaulting corrections officers, directly enhancing workplace safety protections for this workforce.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2685: An Act to improve transparency and accountability in correctional facilities

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2685) of David M. Rogers, Marjorie C. Decker and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to the right of persons incarcerated in correctional institutions, state prisons, jails or houses of correction to confer with news media representative. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants incarcerated persons right to confer with media, enhancing transparency and accountability in correctional facilities - key criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 21, 2025

S 1753: An Act strengthening synthetic drug laws in correctional facilities

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1753) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Paul K. Frost, David T. Vieira and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit Class C synthetic chemical substance, or agent that has mind altering or mood changing effects in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill strengthens restrictions on synthetic drugs in prisons, restricting access without advancing reform. Aligns with 'oppose' indicators of restricting criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2114: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2114) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMoratorium on new prison construction reduces incarceration infrastructure, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to limit system expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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