Criminal Justice (Drug Policy) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3895: 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 Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3432: An Act relative to car theft with digital devices

HD 3432 prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices used to steal cars through digital means, specifically targeting "motor vehicle key programming or emulating devices" and "relay attack devices" designed to intercept key fob signals. The bill directly affects individuals who create, distribute, or use these tools for vehicle theft or property theft from vehicles. Key provisions define these devices and ban their use with intent to steal, including aiding others in such activities. Violations carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison or fines plus up to 2.5 years in jail.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4243: An Act establishing a task force to study equitable access to psilocybin and other entheogenic plants

This bill establishes a 21-member task force to study the health, social justice, and equity implications of legalizing psilocybin and other entheogenic plants in Massachusetts. The task force will review research on physiological effects, gather data from U.S. and international communities that have implemented harm reduction approaches, and examine how drug prohibition impacts marginalized groups including Indigenous peoples, veterans, and communities of color. It will also develop recommendations for legalizing possession/consumption, addressing criminal records, and creating equitable access frameworks. The task force must submit its report and draft legislation to state legislators by June 2026. This bill does not legalize these substances but mandates a study to inform future policy decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2291: An Act relative to possession of a dangerous weapon

This bill (HD 2291) defines "dangerous weapon" broadly to include any weapon or object - such as custom or homemade items - designed to be used as a weapon. It imposes penalties for inmates in correctional facilities (including jails, prisons, and detention centers) who possess such weapons. Offenders face up to 10 years in state prison, 2.5 years in a house of correction, or a $5,000 fine, or a combination, with sentences starting after any existing unserved sentences. The law directly affects individuals currently incarcerated in these facilities and creates new criminal penalties for weapon possession within them.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2971: An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture

This bill limits civil asset forfeiture in drug-related cases by setting a $250 threshold: property worth less than $250 cannot be seized. It requires law enforcement to prove forfeiture claims by "clear and convincing evidence" in court, shifting the burden from property owners. Forfeited funds must be split equally - 50% into a substance abuse treatment fund and 50% into a community fund for opioid-affected areas. Annual public reports detailing seized assets and fund usage are mandated for law enforcement and prosecutors.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3368: An Act decriminalizing psilocybin as a treatment for PTSD and certain other conditions

This bill allows limited possession and transfer of psilocybin for specific groups: U.S. veterans, current/former law enforcement officers, and individuals with medically diagnosed qualifying conditions (like PTSD, based on clinical studies), provided they have no disqualifying conditions (e.g., schizophrenia). It permits up to 2 grams of psilocybin for personal use and up to 50 grams of dried mushrooms for non-commercial transfer, but explicitly prohibits sales, medical use authorization, or driving under its influence. The bill requires public health officials to publish annual lists of qualifying/disqualifying conditions with supporting studies, while stressing the state does not endorse psilocybin as a treatment. It expires if psilocybin is classified as a Schedule II drug under federal law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Public Health Veteran Mental Health

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1622: An Act increasing penalties for the illegal sale and possession of firearms

This bill (HD 1622) increases criminal penalties for illegal firearm sales and possession under Massachusetts law. It raises maximum prison terms, including changing some sentences from "fifteen years" to "life imprisonment" and adding new minimum sentences of "not less than 3 nor more than 10 years" for certain offenses. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of violating firearm laws in Massachusetts. Key changes include raising maximum penalties from 5, 7, 10, and 15 years to 20 years or life, and modifying fine provisions. These are specific sentencing adjustments without new regulatory requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Sentencing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 870: An Act relative to removing criminal penalties for limited psilocybin possession

This bill decriminalizes possession of up to one gram of psilocybin (magic mushroom compounds) by replacing criminal penalties with a $100 civil fine and forfeiture of the substance. It directly affects individuals possessing small amounts, while exempting veterans, first responders, people with certain health conditions (like mental health disorders or terminal illnesses), indigenous users, and those in clinical research. The bill creates a "Psilocybin Fines Trust Fund" to distribute collected penalties to community harm reduction programs, including education, crisis support, and services for groups disproportionately impacted by drug policies. It also prohibits using possession as a basis for denying student aid, housing, licenses, or custody rights, and ensures civil penalty records do not appear in criminal records.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 188: 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 Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Public Health

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1052: An Act relative to car theft with digital devices

This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices designed to steal cars, including key fob emulators and relay attack tools, when done with the intent to steal vehicles or their contents. It directly affects individuals attempting car theft using digital methods and those selling such devices. The law makes it a crime to knowingly aid others in using these devices, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine plus up to 2.5 years in jail. The bill targets specific digital tools used in modern car theft schemes, aiming to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

All criminal justice bills