Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2222: 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 JusticeBill protects inmate communication confidentiality, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice (inmates are part of corrections system).80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1137: An Act relative to elder and medical parole

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1722) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to grant elder and medical parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill grants elder/medical parole, reducing prison populations for non-violent cases - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of compassionate release and reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1101: An Act concerning the Massachusetts Probation Service

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1705) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to the Massachusetts Probation Service. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill focuses on Massachusetts Probation Service, a key component of criminal justice reform emphasizing rehabilitation and community supervision, aligning with support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 948: An Act relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice

This bill creates new legal standards requiring firearm industry members (manufacturers, distributors, and sellers) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals or traffickers, and to avoid promoting illegal conversions or sales to minors. It directly affects these industry members by imposing new duties and provides gun violence victims harmed by industry violations a new civil legal pathway to seek compensation in court. Key provisions mandate companies to prevent sales to straw purchasers, prohibited persons, or those at high risk of harm, and to comply with existing consumer protection and safety laws. The law does not override federal restrictions but ensures victims and the Attorney General can pursue civil actions for industry misconduct under Massachusetts law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates firearm industry accountability to prevent gun violence and creates civil remedies for victims, aligning with criminal justice reform by enhancing victim access to justice and industry oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 587: An Act establishing a public safety building authority and assistance program

HD 587 establishes the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to provide state assistance for constructing or renovating public safety facilities, including police stations, fire stations, and other community safety infrastructure. The authority, led by the state treasurer, will manage funding from a dedicated 0.5% sales tax revenue stream (from certain retail sales) held in a trust fund specifically for public safety projects. Local towns can apply for financial support to cover costs of building or upgrading these facilities, with the authority overseeing project eligibility and disbursement. The program aims to help communities address rising construction expenses while ensuring facilities meet safety, accessibility, and community development needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated 0.5% sales tax trust fund to finance public safety infrastructure, directly funding essential government services through targeted fiscal mechanism.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds construction/renovation of police stations and public safety facilities, directly supporting law enforcement infrastructure within criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Policing

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1483: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

This bill (SD 1483) allows juvenile offenders in Massachusetts to receive credit toward their sentence for time spent in secure detention or on electronic monitoring before trial. It requires the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to prepare pre-adjudication reports for courts, detailing a youth's pre-trial detention time, participation in DYS programs, and positive behavior - excluding negative details. The bill also mandates that DYS include in internal evaluations the youth's pre-trial detention time, program participation, and conduct, and informs juveniles that this pre-trial behavior will be considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect juvenile offenders in the state's justice system and aim to incorporate pre-trial conduct into sentencing decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows pre-trial detention credit for juveniles, mandates positive behavior reports to reduce unnecessary incarceration and promote rehabilitation95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Sentencing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1610: An Act relative to noise reduction devices

This Massachusetts bill (HD 1610) amends state law to increase penalties for possessing firearm suppressors (devices that muffle gun noise) under specific circumstances. It targets individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms, committing violent crimes/felons, or engaging in crimes of violence against family members while possessing suppressors, or selling controlled substances. The law defines "firearm suppressor" to align with federal law (18 USC 921(24)) and sets punishments of up to 10 years in state prison or 2.5 years in jail for violations. It directly affects gun owners or individuals with criminal records who possess these devices while violating other laws. The bill does not create new restrictions but modifies existing penalties for specific prohibited uses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for suppressor possession by prohibited persons/felons, expanding criminalization under sentencing laws per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1485: An Act relative to preventing suicide

This bill (HD 1485) creates a new criminal offense for individuals who knowingly have a relationship of control over someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and then intentionally encourage or assist that person in dying by suicide. It specifically targets two scenarios: (1) using control (e.g., manipulation or undue influence) to coerce a suicidal person, or (2) providing the means or actively aiding in a suicide attempt. The law does not apply to licensed physicians providing medical treatment, and it prevents double punishment if a defendant is also charged with manslaughter. The bill directly affects individuals with close, controlling relationships to someone in crisis, imposing up to 5 years in prison for violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for aiding suicide, expanding criminalization (indicator for oppose) within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3083: An Act to protect victims of stalking in violation of harassment prevention orders

This bill (HD 3083) requires law enforcement agencies to notify victims when harassment prevention orders (like stalking protection orders) are served, not served within 12 hours (and every 24 hours after), or expire. It directly affects victims of harassment who have court-issued protection orders. The key mechanism mandates specific, timely notifications to victims about the status and validity of their orders. This amendment applies to orders under Chapter 209A (abuse prevention) and Chapter 258E (harassment prevention) of Massachusetts law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates timely victim notifications for harassment prevention orders, enhancing victim safety and rights within criminal justice framework90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1556: An Act updating the juvenile justice policy and data board

HD 1556 updates the membership structure of Massachusetts' juvenile justice policy and data board. The bill increases the board size from 21 to 23 members and adds specific representation requirements. It mandates one seat for the executive director of the Commission on LGBTQQ Youth and requires three seats for individuals with direct juvenile justice experience: at least one parent of a child in juvenile court, one adult formerly in juvenile court, and others sourced from The Transformation Center and Parent/Professional Advocacy League. These changes aim to broaden the board's perspective by including more directly impacted community voices and specialized expertise.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds diverse representation including former juveniles and LGBTQQ youth advocates to enhance juvenile justice policy oversight, aligning with reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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