H 1818 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses

This bill modifies Massachusetts drug sentencing laws by removing mandatory minimum prison terms and replacing them with maximum fine limits. It directly affects individuals charged with drug offenses under specific state statutes by eliminating fixed jail time requirements. The key mechanism involves repealing existing prison sentence mandates and inserting new provisions that cap fines at amounts ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on the specific offense. These changes allow judges to determine appropriate penalties based on individual circumstances rather than enforcing strict minimum prison sentences.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors