Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2270: An Act promoting equity in traffic stops

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1182) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to evidence obtained during a traffic stop. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes equity in traffic stops, aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing racial profiling and enhancing police accountability.90% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1302: An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements

HD 1302 raises the standard of proof in civil asset forfeiture cases from "probable cause" to "beyond a reasonable doubt" for the state to seize property, making it harder to forfeit assets. It creates a Special Public Attorney and Drug Rehabilitation Trust Fund, funded by forfeiture proceeds, to provide free legal defense for low-income individuals and support drug treatment, mental health services, and prevention programs. The bill also requires law enforcement to file court complaints within a set timeframe for property seizures of $3,000 or more and mandates a stay in civil forfeiture cases until related criminal cases are resolved. Additionally, it requires annual public reports detailing the fund's finances, expenditures, and outcomes from funded programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds drug treatment/legal defense via forfeiture proceeds, directing existing revenue to public services per bill's trust fund provision95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRaises burden of proof in asset forfeiture, creates legal defense fund & rehab programs, aligns with reform goals95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates Drug Rehabilitation Trust Fund funding mental health services via forfeiture proceeds, directly supporting mental health care access as per topic description.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1350: An Act establishing mandatory post release supervision in the Commonwealth

This bill establishes mandatory post-release supervision for most individuals released from prison in Massachusetts. It requires a period equal to 25% of their maximum prison sentence (minimum nine months) for those sentenced to incarceration, excluding people on probation, parole, or lifetime community parole. Supervision is managed by the probation office for short sentences (under one year) or the parole board for longer sentences, with early termination possible after nine months under specific conditions like stable housing and employment. Violations can lead to increased supervision, short jail terms, or extended supervision periods, but do not automatically trigger new criminal charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates post-release supervision to reduce recidivism, allowing early termination after 9 months, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1593: An Act establishing the Massachusetts correctional officer accountability and standards training Commission

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1723) of Liz Miranda and William N. Brownsberger for legislation to establish the Massachusetts correctional officer accountability and standards training Commission. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes accountability and standards training for correctional officers, directly advancing corrections reform and oversight within criminal justice system.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1590: An Act protecting inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly addresses 'expenditure of state funds' to protect inmate safety, aligning with fiscal responsibility and proper budget management.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects inmate safety, a core correctional aspect of criminal justice, aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 52: An Act to support police recruitment and retention

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1766) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to support police recruitment and retention. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to strengthen law enforcement through police recruitment/retention support, directly advancing public safety within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1647: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1711) of John F. Keenan for legislation to require all state and county correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates MAT in correctional facilities to address substance use disorders, reducing recidivism through evidence-based rehabilitation - core criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates MAT in correctional facilities, expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment under public health programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1102: An Act establishing a commission to review substance use in correctional facilities

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1706) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to establishing a commission to review substance use in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishing commission to review substance use in correctional facilities aligns with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform, addressing a key correctional challenge.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1597: An Act providing disability compensation for qualified correctional officers

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1894) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to provide disability compensation for qualified correctional officers. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides disability compensation for correctional officers, directly funding and protecting personnel within the corrections system of criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1346: An Act relative to profits from crime

This Massachusetts bill (HD 1346) requires businesses or entities paying a defendant in a criminal case to report the agreement to the Attorney General's Victim Compensation Division within 30 days and post a bond equal to the payment amount. It defines "proceeds of crime" as money or assets gained through a defendant's criminal activity, and mandates that payments must be "substantially related" to the crime (e.g., leveraging notoriety from the crime) to trigger the reporting and bonding requirements. The division notifies victims, holds the bond to potentially cover victim compensation, and allows victims to sue for damages within three years. It directly affects businesses, media, or individuals contracting with defendants, ensuring potential criminal proceeds benefit victims rather than the defendant.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reporting/bonding for payments to defendants tied to crimes, preventing profit from criminal activity and directing proceeds to victim compensation, strengthening system integrity and victim protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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