Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 8, 2026

HD 6262: An Act relative to strengthening penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws

By Representative Thurber of Somerset, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Justin Thurber relative to penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties and enforcement of prison contraband laws, enhancing security and order within the corrections system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 5555: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements

This bill appropriates state funds for fiscal year 2027 to support various departments, boards, and institutions across the Commonwealth, including specific allocations for healthcare, education, and public safety. It establishes new reporting requirements for certain programs, such as mandating that the Department of Children and Families submit data on enforcement actions and the number of individuals subjected to solitary confinement. The legislation also amends existing laws to increase penalties for specific child sexual offenses and adjusts lottery rules to allow for new game contracts while ensuring prize payouts remain at least 45 percent of revenue. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum age for certain criminal charges and increases the number of years required for specific legal provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for FY2027 to support departments, boards, and institutions, directly advancing the budget topic.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reporting on solitary confinement and enforcement actions, enhancing transparency and accountability in corrections.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2026

HD 5803: A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8000-0655 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Office of Grants and Research Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative annual report for fiscal year 2026

This document is an annual report submitted by the Office of Grants and Research to state lawmakers detailing the results of the Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative for fiscal year 2026. The initiative provides grant funding to community-based nonprofits that offer pre-release and post-release services to individuals aged 18 to 25 who are returning to the community from incarceration. Eligible organizations must deliver evidence-based programs that include education, job readiness, and at least 12 months of case management after release. The report outlines the specific criteria used to evaluate applicants, the amount of funds awarded, and the outcomes achieved by the participating programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill submits an annual report detailing grant funding for a public safety initiative, indicating active financial support for state programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds reentry services for young adults to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

HD 5984: A communication from the Massachusetts Probation Service Office of Community Corrections (see item 0339-1003 of Section 3 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its annual report for fiscal year 2026, including a statistical report on the utilization of community corrections centers

This bill requires the Massachusetts Probation Service Office of Community Corrections to submit an annual report detailing the use of its Community Justice Support Centers for fiscal year 2026. The report must include statistical data on how these centers, which offer treatment and services as an alternative to incarceration, are utilized across the state. The document outlines various pathways for individuals to access these programs, including pretrial options, probation supervision, and reentry support. This submission is directed to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means as mandated by the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reporting on community corrections centers that offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration, promoting rehabilitation and reducing reliance on imprisonment.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 14, 2026

SD 3907: Bristol County Jail and House of Correction Complete Inspection Package 5-12-26

Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to 105 CMR 451.403) submitting the inspection report for Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, the Plan of Correction (POC) from the facility and the POC acceptance letter from the Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill submits a jail inspection report and plan of correction, indicating oversight to improve facility conditions and safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 5125: An Act limiting the use of prison labor

This bill prohibits Massachusetts prison officials from transferring inmates to other states for labor purposes, directly affecting correctional facilities and inmates. It allows exceptions only if the governor declares an emergency in another state and the inmate provides written consent. Transfers for non-labor reasons, such as medical care or court appearances, remain permitted under existing rules. The law aims to prevent out-of-state labor exploitation while maintaining flexibility for emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits out-of-state prison labor exploitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to protect inmate rights and prevent labor exploitation in corrections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 3, 2026

H 5050: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for responding to recent federal actions

H 5050 is primarily an appropriations bill that allocates additional funding for state government operations in fiscal year 2026, including $300 million for group insurance premiums and $31 million for correctional facility operations. Its most significant policy change (Section 5) creates new restrictions on civil immigration enforcement at child care facilities: it prohibits law enforcement from entering licensed child care centers, family child care homes, or school-aged programs without a judicial warrant and prior approval from the facility director. The bill also requires these facilities to establish policies for handling immigration enforcement interactions, including verifying warrants and designating staff to manage such encounters. These provisions directly affect child care providers and law enforcement agencies operating near early childhood facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds correctional facilities ($31M), directly supporting criminal justice operations per appropriations allocation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $300M for group insurance premiums, directly funding health coverage under state operations per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

H 5126: An Act relative to treatment, not incarceration

H 5126 would require courts to assess probationers for substance use disorders and order treatment instead of jail time for relapse. It mandates individualized treatment plans using licensed providers or evidence-based practices (like medication-assisted therapy), with courts reviewing provider reports on progress. Probationers who complete treatment but relapse may receive additional treatment rather than incarceration. The bill preserves courts' authority to use other probation sanctions for public safety while shifting focus from punishment to treatment for substance use issues.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces incarceration with treatment for probationers, promoting rehabilitation over punishment in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance use disorder treatment via licensed providers instead of incarceration, directly supporting mental health services and improving access to healthcare for probationers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2944: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

February, , 2026 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the 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, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2944).

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesHalts state spending on new jail/prison construction, restricting budget allocation for corrections infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHalts new prison construction, reducing incarceration capacity aligns with criminal justice reform goals of decreasing prison populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 31, 2025

H 4861: An Act relative to community corrections

H 4861 establishes an Office of Community Justice Programs within the Department of Probation to oversee statewide community-based alternatives to incarceration. It creates three specific program types: "intensive supervision with treatment" (for higher-risk individuals on probation), "pretrial services" (for defendants awaiting trial), and "reentry services" (for people recently released from prison), all requiring court approval or consent. The bill sets standards for program contracts, mandates victim notification for pretrial services, and prohibits using these programs to replace mandatory minimum prison sentences. This directly affects probationers, pretrial defendants, and people returning from incarceration who qualify for these community-based options.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates community-based alternatives to incarceration with treatment-focused programs, aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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