Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 13, 2026

SD 4102: Drug Rehab, Drug Education & Neighborhood Crime Watch Trust Fund

Report of the Cape and Islands District Attorney (pursuant of Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2026 report relative to the use of monies in the law enforcement trust fund for the purposes of drug rehabilitation, drug education, and other anti-drug or neighborhood crime watch programs

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reports on funding for drug rehab and education via a law enforcement trust fund, directly supporting criminal justice reform and community safety programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5274: An Act relative to establishing protections for and ensuring access to harm reduction programming and services in the commonwealth

This bill establishes legal protections and access for harm reduction programs and services throughout the commonwealth, primarily affecting health organizations, service providers, and individuals involved in substance use support. It creates a new legal definition for harm reduction programs, which can include needle exchanges, distribution of opioid antagonists, drug testing services, and referrals to treatment, and requires these programs to be approved by the state department and local health boards. The legislation grants immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and professional disciplinary action to program operators and participants acting in good faith, while excluding cases involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or discriminatory behavior. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting on program activities and data collection to track outcomes, and clarifies that entering or using a harm reduction program cannot be used as grounds for law enforcement searches or seizures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes harm reduction programs which reduce criminalization of substance use, improve public health outcomes, and support rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes legal protections and access for harm reduction programs, expanding healthcare services and protecting patient rights in substance use treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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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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passed · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 5002: An Act to restore a sensible marijuana policy

H 5002, titled "An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy," legalizes small-scale marijuana possession for adults while reforming related laws. It makes possession of 1 ounce or less by people aged 21+ a non-punishable civil matter, and possession of 1-2 ounces subject only to a $100 civil penalty (no criminal charges). For those under 21, possession of up to 2 ounces requires completion of a drug awareness program to avoid increased penalties, and prohibits denial of benefits like housing or financial aid based on minor possession. The bill repeals outdated chapters (94G and 64N) and creates a Cannabis Control Commission to oversee implementation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal penalties for small-scale marijuana possession, shifts to civil penalties/education, reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with reform goals like reducing recidivism.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits denial of housing benefits for minor marijuana possession, directly protecting tenants from discrimination per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1113: An Act relative to removing criminal penalties for limited psilocybin possession

S 1113 would remove criminal penalties for possessing small, limited amounts of psilocybin (the active compound in "magic mushrooms"). It specifically targets individuals caught with quantities below a defined threshold, eliminating the possibility of jail time, fines, or criminal records for such cases. The bill directly affects people who possess small amounts of psilocybin for personal use, shifting the response from criminal to non-criminal. This change would replace criminal prosecution with no penalties for these limited possession instances under the proposed law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill decriminalizes minor psilocybin possession, removing criminal penalties and shifting response from prosecution to non-criminal, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1980: An Act to promote the health and safety of people in the sex trade

This bill (H 1980) would automatically remove certain past convictions related to prostitution and marijuana offenses from public criminal records. It directly affects individuals who were convicted of these specific offenses before Massachusetts laws changed to decriminalize or reduce penalties for them. The key mechanism is a streamlined process to expunge these records without requiring individuals to file separate requests. This change aims to improve access to housing, employment, and other opportunities by eliminating barriers linked to outdated convictions. The bill focuses on concrete record-removal, not altering current criminal laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically expunges prostitution/marijuana conviction records to improve housing/employment access, reducing recidivism barriers per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly states expungement improves housing access by removing criminal record barriers for housing applications, directly advancing tenant opportunities.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAutomatically expunges prostitution/marijuana conviction records to improve employment access for affected individuals, directly advancing labor market opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1726: An Act relative to criminal disposition of limited psilocybin possession offenses

HD 3895, titled the "No Harm No Foul Act," amends Massachusetts law to allow courts to dismiss simple psilocybin possession charges under specific conditions. It directly affects adults aged 21 or older caught with small amounts of psilocybin (not for distribution) who were not driving and did not endanger children or cause visible harm to others. The key provision requires a court to dismiss the case if it finds all three conditions met: defendant over 21, not operating a vehicle, and no harm to health/safety. This changes how minor psilocybin possession offenses are handled, shifting from prosecution to dismissal when these criteria are satisfied. The bill does not decriminalize psilocybin but creates a specific pathway for case dismissal in limited circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces criminal penalties for limited psilocybin possession, aligning with drug reform efforts to decrease incarceration and prioritize diversion over punishment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1858: An Act relative to removing criminal penalties for limited psilocybin possession

HD 188 removes criminal penalties for possessing up to one gram of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), replacing them with a $100 civil fine. It exempts specific groups including veterans, first responders, individuals with certain medical conditions, Indigenous ceremonial users, and those in clinical research. The civil fines collected will fund a new Psilocybin Fines Trust Fund, which will support community harm reduction services, public health education, and grants for qualifying organizations serving impacted communities. The bill also updates related laws to include psilocybin in possession limits for marijuana. It ensures these penalties don't affect student aid, housing, or professional licensing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal penalties for psilocybin possession, reducing unnecessary criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 1337: An Act relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation coverage

HD 2059 requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover medications for opioid use disorder (like naloxone and buprenorphine) without prior authorization, prescriptions, or cost-sharing (deductibles, copays). It directly affects Commonwealth employees (via group insurance), Medicaid patients, and private insurance holders in Massachusetts. The bill mandates coverage as both a medical benefit (when administered at treatment facilities) and pharmacy benefit, with facilities reimbursed at standard rates to prevent balance billing. It also specifies that cost-sharing may still apply if a plan would lose tax-exempt status under IRS rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds opioid treatment/rehabilitation, directly supporting criminal justice reform by addressing addiction (a root cause of recidivism) and improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates coverage for opioid use disorder treatment/rehabilitation, expanding access to healthcare services for substance use disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2707: An Act relative to furthering the success of opiate intervention programs

HD 2284 amends Massachusetts law to allow state and municipal law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics, and fire personnel to provide opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and administration instructions to individuals at substantial risk of opioid overdose, or to their family/friends who know about the person's opioid use. It directly affects first responders and people at risk of opioid overdose by expanding access to life-saving medication. Key provisions permit these personnel to act in "good faith" based on their training, observations, and the individual's own information. The bill does not require prior consent or medical oversight for this intervention. This policy change aims to increase immediate access to overdose reversal tools during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides immunity for first responders distributing opioid antagonists to reverse overdoses, promoting harm reduction and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides immunity for first responders administering opioid antagonists (naloxone), directly advancing overdose intervention programs and improving emergency healthcare access for opioid users.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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