An Act relative to harm reduction and racial justice

This bill amends Massachusetts law to change how people are handled when caught possessing controlled substances without a prescription. Instead of facing traditional criminal penalties, individuals would be required to complete a needs screening that assesses their health, housing, employment, and legal needs. The screening must be conducted by trained professionals using trauma-informed and culturally competent methods, and the citation is dismissed once the screening is finished within 45 days. This approach aims to connect people with necessary services rather than pursuing prosecution, while explicitly stating that participating in the screening does not count as an admission of guilt.