By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1654) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to postsecondary education in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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.
By Representatives Holmes of Boston and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2635) of Russell E. Holmes and Erika Uyterhoeven 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.
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.
By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2706) of Priscila S. Sousa relative to postsecondary education in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
S 996 establishes a state-administered reentry housing program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable housing after release. The program, managed by the state department of housing, will coordinate with correctional facilities and community organizations to provide housing options, short-term housing assistance, and financial supports like housing vouchers. It requires all state-funded housing programs (including those under Chapters 40B, 40H, and 40R) to prioritize formerly incarcerated people and those about to be released. The department must annually review these programs, collect demographic data, and report outcomes to legislative committees on housing and community development.
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.
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.
H 4397 amends Massachusetts civil asset forfeiture law to increase transparency and fairness in property seizures. It requires the government to prove property is forfeitable by a preponderance of evidence (shifting the burden from the owner), directs all forfeited assets and sale proceeds to the state general fund (not law enforcement), and mandates annual public reports detailing seizures, proceeds, and public counsel representation. The bill applies to property valued over $250, including vehicles, real estate, and cash. These changes affect property owners, law enforcement, courts, and the public by standardizing procedures and ensuring accountability in forfeiture cases.
This bill (HD 4297) requires Massachusetts public schools to establish clearer limits on school resource officers (SROs), prohibiting them from handling routine discipline like minor disruptions. It mandates that SROs only intervene when conduct involves criminal behavior (e.g., violence, property damage, theft) and requires schools to report annually on SRO costs, student interactions with police, and data on arrests/citations - broken down by race and gender. The bill also creates state grants to help schools adopt "holistic safety practices" (like counseling and conflict resolution) instead of relying on law enforcement presence. These changes apply to all public schools, districts, and regional schools, with penalties for failing to submit required reports.
