Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Every criminal justice bill, vote, and legislator stance in Massachusetts, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
367
194th Legislature (2025-2026)
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Top opponent
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Showing 341–350 of 367 bills

All criminal justice bills

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1065: An Act prohibiting deception in juvenile interrogations

SD 1768 prohibits police from using deception (such as false promises or misleading information) during questioning of minors (juveniles) held in custody. The bill requires law enforcement to record all such interrogations in detention facilities using audiovisual equipment. Any statement obtained through deception, or without a required recording, cannot be used as evidence in court. This law directly affects juveniles in police custody, law enforcement officers conducting interrogations, and courts handling juvenile cases.
Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice
passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1979: An Act prohibiting deception in juvenile interrogations

HD 2133 prohibits law enforcement from using deception (like false promises or misleading information) during police questioning of juveniles in custody. It requires all such interrogations in detention locations to be recorded, making any unrecorded statement or evidence from it inadmissible in court. The bill directly affects juveniles (under 18) and law enforcement officers conducting custodial interrogations. Key provisions include presuming any statement made under deception as involuntary, and requiring the prosecution to prove a statement was voluntary if deception occurred, or to justify why a recording wasn't made. This aims to protect juveniles from coercive tactics during police questioning.
Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice
passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1847: An Act preventing false confessions

This bill (HD 3010) prevents false confessions by creating two key protections in criminal investigations. First, it prohibits law enforcement from using deception (like false promises or misleading information) during interrogations of juveniles or adults. Any statement made under such deception is presumed involuntary and inadmissible in court, unless the prosecution proves it was voluntary and reliable beyond a reasonable doubt. Second, it mandates electronic recording of all custodial interrogations in detention facilities; failure to record makes the statement and related evidence inadmissible, with no exception for budget constraints. The law applies to all criminal cases (not just juvenile) starting July 31, 2027, and does not override existing protections for minors.
passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 1128: An Act to implement recommendations of the commission on structural racism in the parole process

S 1128 implements specific recommendations from a commission that studied racial disparities in the parole process. The bill directly affects individuals navigating parole decisions within the state's criminal justice system. Key provisions require state parole boards to adopt new procedures and data collection methods to address identified racial biases. These changes aim to create a more equitable parole process by mandating transparency and accountability measures based on the commission's findings.
Sub-Topics Probation & Parole
passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1894: An Act promoting equity in traffic stops

This bill (HD 3766) sets new rules for evidence collected during traffic stops. It states that evidence unrelated to the traffic violation itself cannot be used in criminal court unless officers had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe the person was already committing a felony or misdemeanor before the stop began. The state must prove this prior suspicion existed by a preponderance of evidence if challenged. Individuals stopped in violation of this law can seek civil remedies, including monetary damages, while officers may still enforce traffic laws but cannot use stops as a pretext to investigate unrelated crimes.
passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1960: An Act establishing presumptive parole

This bill establishes a presumption of parole for eligible prisoners, requiring parole boards to grant parole at first eligibility unless they provide clear evidence the individual would reoffend. Parole boards must use structured risk assessments considering participation in rehabilitation programs, good behavior, and community reintegration plans. It mandates special consideration for disabled prisoners, including medical evaluations and reasonable accommodations to support successful parole. Additionally, the bill requires health departments to secure appropriate placements within 60 days for parolees needing specialized care, preventing incarceration due to housing issues.
Sub-Topics Probation & Parole
passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1848: An Act relative to judicial discretion for probation

HD 3412 requires judges to consider specific factors when deciding whether to place a defendant on probation. The bill mandates that judges evaluate items such as a defendant's age, military service history, education, medical conditions, family support systems, employment status, and details about the current crime (including victim injuries if violent). It directly affects judges making probation decisions and the defendants facing those decisions. The key provision expands the factors judges must weigh beyond typical considerations, ensuring a more comprehensive review of individual circumstances before granting probation. This change aims to create a more individualized approach to probation eligibility.
Sub-Topics Probation & Parole
passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1162: 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.
Sub-Topics Probation & Parole
Showing 341 to 350 of 367 bills
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