Criminal Justice (Policing)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1547: An Act relative to fentanyl arrests (Tatiana's Law)

This bill (HD 1547, "Tatiana's Law") requires a 6-hour minimum hold before bail can be set for individuals arrested for fentanyl trafficking (specifically violations of Chapter 94C sections 32, 32E, or 32F). It directly affects adults (18+) arrested for these offenses, preventing release by clerks, bail commissioners, or others and mandating that only a judge in open court can grant bail within that timeframe. The law also requires bail authorities to access criminal records, probation files, and police reports before setting release conditions to ensure court appearance and community safety. These changes apply specifically to fentanyl-related trafficking charges, not general drug offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 6-hour hold before bail for fentanyl trafficking, restricting defendant release options and increasing enforcement stringency per Chapter 94C violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Policing Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 333: An Act relative to dangerous high speed pursuits

HD 333 creates new penalties for drivers who recklessly evade police during high-speed pursuits. It makes it a crime to refuse to stop for an officer in uniform (displaying a badge) and then operate a vehicle negligently or recklessly in public areas to endanger others, with the intent to avoid arrest. Offenders face up to 5 years in state prison, 2.5 years in jail, or a $2,500 fine. Additionally, a mandatory $250 assessment is added for convicted individuals, with all funds going directly to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, and this fee cannot be reduced or waived.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes stricter penalties (up to 5 years) for reckless evasion of police, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 52: An Act to support police recruitment and retention

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1766) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to support police recruitment and retention. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to strengthen law enforcement through police recruitment/retention support, directly advancing public safety within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3816: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

HD 3816, the "Safe Communities Act," prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from asking about immigration status during routine interactions (except when legally required) and restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It requires written consent with clear explanations in multiple languages before DHS interviews of people in custody, and bans automatic notifications to DHS about individuals' release from custody (except for end-of-sentence releases). The law also prohibits police from acting as immigration officers under federal agreements and mandates training for law enforcement on these provisions. These changes directly affect all Massachusetts residents, especially immigrant communities, and apply to state/local police, sheriffs, and correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by restricting immigration inquiries during law enforcement interactions and banning automatic DHS notifications, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing over-policing and enhancing community safety.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits law enforcement from asking about immigration status and restricts cooperation with federal enforcement, protecting immigrant rights and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1707: An Act relative to the reckless evasion of a police officer

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1707) of William C. Galvin relative to the reckless evasion of police officers. The Judiciary.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes reckless evasion of police, expanding criminalization of traffic offenses, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increased penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 23, 2025

H 4640: An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology

This bill restricts most law enforcement use of facial recognition technology in Massachusetts. It prohibits police agencies from acquiring or using facial recognition without specific legal authorization, except for limited exceptions like verifying identities for driver's licenses or investigating felonies with a warrant. The law requires strict documentation for emergency uses, mandates transparency by requiring law enforcement to share all technical details about facial recognition searches with defendants in criminal cases, and establishes public reporting requirements for all searches conducted. These provisions directly affect law enforcement agencies, public officials, and individuals involved in criminal cases where facial recognition was used.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts police facial recognition use, requiring warrants and transparency to protect civil rights and enhance law enforcement accountability in criminal justice.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts law enforcement use of facial recognition technology, limiting its application and weakening privacy protections per bill's prohibitions and documentation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Emerging Technology

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 728: An Act relative to the reckless evasion of a police officer

HD 728 creates new penalties for drivers who recklessly flee police officers. It imposes fines ($100-$1,000), up to two years in jail, or both for evading officers while endangering people or property. A conviction also requires a 60-day driver's license suspension. The law specifically defines reckless evasion as causing property damage or committing three or more traffic violations during the evasion. This directly affects drivers who flee police under these conditions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes stricter penalties (fines, jail, license suspension) for reckless evasion, increasing criminalization and mandatory sentences per bill definition.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances traffic safety through stricter penalties for reckless evasion, directly addressing vehicle regulation and driver safety under transportation policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Driver Licensing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3286: An Act to improve transparency in alleged police misconduct

This bill amends procedures for inquests (investigative hearings) into deaths or serious injuries involving law enforcement officers. It requires the attorney general or district attorney to hold an inquest when there's reasonable suspicion an officer violated laws while acting in their duties, causing serious bodily injury (defined under Chapter 265). The bill mandates timely notice to families and specific agencies, allows targets of investigations to attend with counsel, and ensures families and complainants can observe the process. It focuses on procedural transparency during investigations, not on changing police conduct standards or accountability outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates inquests for police misconduct, enhancing accountability and transparency in law enforcement investigations per bill's core provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3596: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

This bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits state law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, protecting civil rights and reducing overreach in criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state agencies from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, limiting state involvement in detaining immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1872: An Act to improve transparency in alleged police misconduct

By Representative Markey of Dartmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1872) of Christopher M. Markey relative to alleged police misconduct. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates transparency in police misconduct cases, directly enhancing law enforcement accountability - a core criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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