Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2196: An Act relative to reforming the competency to stand trial process

This bill (HD 2196) changes how courts determine if a defendant in a criminal case is competent to stand trial or criminally responsible due to mental illness. It requires courts to order examinations by qualified doctors or psychologists when competence is in doubt, with exams typically happening at the courthouse or detention facility. The bill sets strict rules: exams must be completed within 20 days (extendable to 40), and sending a defendant to a secure facility like Bridgewater State Hospital requires the court to prove no less restrictive option exists. It also adds procedures for post-conviction evaluations to aid sentencing and potential short-term commitment to mental health facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Sentencing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2263: An Act addressing racial disparity in jury selection

This bill (HD 2263) changes jury selection rules in Massachusetts to address racial disparities. It adds a new rule allowing objections to peremptory challenges (where attorneys dismiss jurors without cause) if race or ethnicity appears to be a factor. Attorneys must justify their challenges, and courts must deny them if an objective observer could link the challenge to race - without needing proof of intentional discrimination. The bill lists specific invalid reasons for challenges, including distrust of police, living in high-crime areas, or receiving state benefits. It directly affects criminal jury trials by altering how jurors are selected and dismissed.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2479: An Act to promote healthy culture and climate within schools

This bill (HD 2479) requires school leaders (principals, superintendents) to first try alternative approaches like mediation or restorative justice before suspending or expelling a student. It mandates documenting why these alternatives weren't used for specific incidents, unless the student poses an immediate threat of serious harm to others. The law also requires schools to implement broader, school-wide programs focused on re-engaging students, such as trauma-sensitive learning models. Exceptions allowing immediate suspension remain only for documented safety risks or severe disruptions to learning.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2756: An Act establishing reasonable limitations on the solitary confinement of inmates 21 years of age or younger

This bill limits solitary confinement for inmates under 21 in Massachusetts correctional facilities. It prohibits keeping any inmate under 21 in isolation for more than 48 hours, except when they pose an immediate threat to safety, requiring a written report justifying continued confinement. Superintendents must document threats and can extend confinement by up to 24 additional hours only if evidence supports the ongoing risk. The bill does not change solitary confinement rules for inmates over 21, who may still be confined for up to 15 days. It directly affects young inmates in state prisons and local jails, aiming to restrict prolonged isolation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2691: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

This bill (HD 2691) allows juvenile offenders in Massachusetts to receive credit toward their sentence for time spent in secure detention or on electronic monitoring *before* their trial. It directly affects youth in the juvenile justice system who are held awaiting adjudication. Key provisions require courts to count this pre-trial time when sentencing and mandate the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to provide courts with reports detailing the youth's pre-trial detention duration, participation in programs, and behavior. These reports must include only positive information that could influence sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Sentencing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2760: An Act relative to the qualification of voters

HD 2760 amends voter qualification laws to disqualify individuals convicted of specific serious crimes. It adds that a person convicted of violations under Chapter 265 sections 13, 13b, 13b½, 16, or 24 (which include violent offenses punishable by life imprisonment) cannot vote. The bill directly affects voters with convictions for these particular crimes. This change expands the list of disqualifying offenses under existing voting laws. The key mechanism is adding these specific criminal sections to the list of convictions that prevent voting eligibility.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3164: An Act to establish the micro business employee training and workforce development program

HD 3164 creates a tax credit for Massachusetts employers with 10 or fewer employees who hire formerly incarcerated individuals (within 5 years of release) or people receiving transitional assistance under Chapter 18. Employers receive a $2,000 annual tax credit per eligible hire, plus phased training funds ranging from $15,000 to $9,000 over five years. The program is funded by dedicating 15% of several existing state justice and reentry program budgets to a new trust fund. It directly affects small Massachusetts businesses and supports job placement for two specific vulnerable groups. The credit is available for 10 years if the employee remains employed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3136: An Act relative to penalties for crimes against seniors

This bill requires individuals convicted of certain crimes against seniors (defined as elders or those in senior housing) to register annually with the office of probation for five years. The registration includes detailed personal information like addresses, physical description, and a photograph. Failure to comply carries penalties of up to 2.5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The law directly affects convicted offenders of specified crimes against seniors, establishing a mandatory registry for their monitoring.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3332: An Act relative to the punishment of organized retail crimes

This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand sentencing options for organized retail theft crimes. It adds a new alternative sentence of up to 2.5 years in a house of correction (a local facility for less severe offenses) alongside existing state prison terms for certain offenses under Chapter 266, Section 30D. Specifically, it modifies punishments for crimes involving theft of $1,000+ from retail stores (or similar organized thefts) by inserting the house of correction option after the current prison terms. The change applies to individuals convicted under these specific retail crime provisions. It does not create new crimes but alters the available penalties for existing offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Sentencing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3478: An Act to enhance public safety

HD 3478 requires Massachusetts local and state law enforcement agencies (like police departments and sheriff's offices) to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration detainers. This means agencies must hold individuals for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release to allow ICE to take custody, share immigration status information upon request, and participate in joint ICE operations when feasible. The bill mandates annual reporting on detainer compliance and includes exceptions for constitutional rights or lack of probable cause for criminal charges. It also requires the state to provide training and resources to support law enforcement in meeting these requirements. The law applies directly to all local and state law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

All criminal justice bills