Criminal Justice

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 22, 2025

H 4515: An Act promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and services

This Massachusetts bill (H 4515) expands access to community-based juvenile diversion programs by removing automatic disqualification for youth referred to juvenile court. It protects statements made during assessments from being used against youth in court and requires courts to dismiss original complaints unless a report recommends otherwise. Diversion remains unavailable for serious offenses like those with minimum prison sentences or specific violent charges. The law directly affects youth in juvenile court and aims to reduce court involvement for less severe cases while maintaining legal pathways for serious crimes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands community diversion for juveniles, protects assessment statements, reduces court referrals - aligns with reform goals like rehabilitation and civil rights protection95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1663: An Act relative to the sex offender registry

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1663) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to the sex offender registry for employees of municipal police or fire departments. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends sex offender registry to police/fire employees, enhancing accountability in law enforcement - a key criminal justice reform component.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 8, 2025

H 3655: An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

By Representatives Domb of Amherst and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3655) of Mindy Domb and Sean Garballey that the Registry of Motor Vehicles design certain envelopes to enhance effective communications and interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police interactions with autistic individuals, promoting safer encounters and civil rights protection in law enforcement interactions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 743: An Act relative to rehabilitation periods for those in addiction recovery

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 743) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to rehabilitation periods for recovering substance abusers. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill focuses on rehabilitation periods for addiction recovery, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing recidivism through improved rehabilitation programs.85% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 18, 2025

S 1741: An Act relative to police interactions with persons on the autism spectrum

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates police training for autism spectrum interactions, reducing potential misuse of force and enhancing accountability in law enforcement encounters, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1727: An Act to establish privileged contact with members of the general court

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1727) of Liz Miranda for legislation to protect the confidentiality of communications with members of the general court and inmates. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects inmate communications with legislative members, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2973: An Act relating to fair compensation for bilingual police officers

By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2973) of Priscila S. Sousa relative to compensation for bilingual police officers. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCompensation for bilingual police officers supports law enforcement effectiveness within criminal justice system, aligning with reform-focused indicators.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 2730: An Act for balanced law enforcement representation to the POST Commission

By Representative Wells of Milton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2730) of Richard G. Wells, Jr., relative to the membership of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks balanced POST Commission representation, potentially enhancing law enforcement accountability through inclusive standards-setting.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

SD 3248: Norfolk District Attorney -- 2025 Forfeiture Report

Report of the Norfolk District Attorney (pursuant to Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2025 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 mandates reporting on funds for drug rehabilitation and anti-drug programs, directly supporting criminal justice reform through prevention and treatment initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

SD 3239: Essex County District Attorney -- 2025 Forfeiture Report

Report of the Essex County District Attorney (pursuant to Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2025 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 mandates reporting on forfeiture funds used for drug rehabilitation and education programs, directly advancing criminal justice reform through prevention-focused funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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