Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 348: An Act to reduce mass incarceration

This bill modifies Massachusetts sentencing laws to increase parole eligibility for certain life-sentence prisoners. It requires that individuals serving multiple life sentences for separate crimes become eligible for parole after 25 years, removes automatic parole exclusions for some life-sentence prisoners, and sets minimum terms for first-degree murder convictions (25 years for adults, 15-20 years for those aged 14-18). The bill also establishes a voluntary Restorative Justice program in prisons for those serving over 25 years, allowing structured dialogue between offenders, victims, and communities to address harm. These changes directly affect prisoners serving life sentences under specific circumstances, particularly those convicted of murder or multiple offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases parole eligibility for life-sentence prisoners, removes automatic exclusions, and establishes Restorative Justice program - directly advancing criminal justice reform to reduce mass incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 873: An Act relative to treatment, not incarceration

HD 873 changes how courts handle probation for individuals with substance use disorders. It requires courts to assess whether someone on probation needs treatment instead of solely mandating drug testing. If treatment is ordered, courts must use licensed providers or evidence-based programs and cannot impose extra testing beyond the treatment plan. Crucially, a positive test or relapse during treatment is not considered a probation violation, shifting focus from punishment to supporting recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts probation focus from punishment to treatment for substance use disorders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals by prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates treatment over incarceration for substance use disorders, improving access to healthcare services and removing punitive barriers to recovery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3270: An Act relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers

HD 3270 creates a new capital murder charge for intentionally killing a law enforcement officer (including police, sheriffs, deputies, or correction officers) while they are performing their duties, or causing their death through serious bodily injury, reckless violence, or intentional acts with a grave risk of death. The punishment for this offense is either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, with no possibility of parole. The bill also modifies sentencing procedures, requiring a presentence hearing where a jury weighs specific aggravating circumstances (like the victim being an officer on duty) and mitigating factors to decide between death or life without parole. This law directly affects defendants convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer under these defined circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates death penalty or life without parole for killing officers, increasing severity of sentencing per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2078: An Act to eliminate standard conditions in probation

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1129) of Adam Gomez for legislation to eliminate standard conditions in probation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminating standard probation conditions enables individualized case management, reducing unnecessary restrictions and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2180: An Act relative to judicial discretion for probation

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1162) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to judicial discretion for probation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants judges discretion in probation, enabling individualized sentencing to reduce recidivism and align with criminal justice reform goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2071: An Act to implement recommendations of the commission on structural racism in the parole process

SD 2071 reforms the state's parole process to address structural racism, directly affecting incarcerated individuals, parole board members, and correctional facilities. The bill mandates that parole board members include at least one person with lived experience of incarceration who successfully completed parole, requires 3 members with mental health/substance use expertise, and prohibits parole conditions not tied to individual rehabilitation or public safety evidence. It also requires the parole board to collect and publish detailed data on parole outcomes by race, ethnicity, and gender, including violation types, revocation reasons, and processing times. Additionally, the bill mandates written records of parole decisions with clear instructions for denied applicants and public hearings 90 days before parole eligibility dates. These changes aim to increase transparency, accountability, and equity in parole decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReforms parole process to address structural racism, mandates lived experience and mental health expertise, prohibits non-evidence-based conditions - directly advances criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1788: An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing

This bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, eliminating the need for individuals to file petitions. It requires correctional facilities to report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who then automatically seals eligible records after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 for felonies), excluding sex offenses, certain drug violations, and other specified crimes. The commissioner must seal records within 30 days of eligibility, provide clear notices to affected individuals at sentencing, and allow access to sealed records without court orders upon request. It directly affects people with past convictions who meet the waiting periods and criminal justice agencies responsible for record management.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomates record sealing for eligible individuals, reducing barriers to employment/housing and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2078: An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence

This bill automatically seals criminal records for offenses that did not result in a conviction or "guilty file" disposition, directly affecting individuals with unconvicted cases. It eliminates the need for people to file petitions to seal such records, requiring courts and probation agencies to seal them immediately after final disposition (including completion of supervision). The bill also mandates that agencies provide a written notice stating "a presumption of innocence applies" for unconvicted offenses when sharing records. Additionally, it ensures individuals can access their sealed records without court orders and clarifies that convictions only include formal "findings of guilt," excluding continuances without finding. These changes aim to reduce barriers for people with unconvicted cases in employment, housing, and other areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically seals unconvicted records, removes collateral consequences, and affirms presumption of innocence - directly advancing criminal justice reform by protecting rights and reducing barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3522: An Act relative to corrections officer safety

This bill strengthens penalties for assaulting corrections officers and Department of Corrections staff while they're performing their duties. It mandates a minimum 1-year prison sentence (not less than 1 year) for anyone causing serious bodily injury to these workers through assault, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000. The law prohibits probation, parole, sentence reductions, or early release until the mandatory minimum term is served, and defines "serious bodily injury" as permanent disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or substantial risk of death. The bill directly affects corrections officers (who gain enhanced legal protection) and individuals convicted of such assaults (who face stricter sentencing).

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 1-year minimum sentence for assaults on corrections staff, prohibits probation/early release, increasing punitive measures per indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates minimum sentences for assaulting corrections officers, directly enhancing workplace safety protections for this workforce.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2694: An Act to promote equitable access to parole

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2694) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to access to parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes equitable parole access, directly advancing criminal justice reform by improving rehabilitation pathways and reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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