Criminal Justice (Corrections)

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 30, 2025

H 3422: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3422) of Chynah Tyler and others relative to establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill halts new jail/prison construction, reducing system expansion and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to decrease incarceration rates.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 19, 2026

H 1597: An Act limiting the use of prison labor

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1597) of Antonio F. D. Cabral relative to the use of prison labor outside of the Commonwealth. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits prison labor use, aligning with criminal justice reform to protect inmate rights and reduce exploitation in corrections systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 735: An Act protecting bank employees and customers

This bill (SD 735) increases penalties for armed robberies targeting banks and credit unions in Massachusetts. It mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for first-time armed bank/credit union robberies (using firearms or weapons), rising to 15 years for repeat offenses. Non-armed bank/credit union robberies now carry a minimum 30-month sentence. The bill also clarifies court jurisdiction for related cases, allowing lawsuits to be filed where the victim or defendant resides or works.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentences for bank robberies (5-15 years), aligning with 'oppose' indicators of strengthening punitive measures without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2257: An Act relative to ensuring quality mental health services in state correctional facilities

HD 2257 requires the Commissioner of Mental Health to oversee mental health services for prisoners in state correctional facilities. It directly affects inmates receiving mental health care, the Department of Correction, and mental health service providers working in prisons. Key provisions include the Commissioner reviewing and approving all contracts for these services, setting minimum service standards, and conducting biannual facility audits to ensure compliance. The bill also mandates that mental health professionals in correctional settings operate under the Department of Mental Health's supervision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health oversight in prisons, improving rehabilitation services - key criminal justice reform indicator95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Commissioner oversight, sets service standards, and conducts audits for mental health care in prisons, strengthening quality and access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4086: An Act to repeal pay-to-stay fees

This bill repeals "pay-to-stay" fees for incarcerated individuals and juvenile offenders. It prohibits prison officials from deducting earnings for room, board, or living expenses from inmates' pay, and bans courts from ordering parents or guardians to pay for juvenile care from a child's property. The law applies retroactively to all deductions or payment orders made since January 2020, requiring refunds for affected individuals. It also mandates that the Commonwealth cover all costs of incarceration without passing them to inmates or their families.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals punitive pay-to-stay fees for inmates/juveniles, reducing financial barriers to reentry and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of protecting civil rights and reducing recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1910: An Act to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ People

HD 1910 requires all Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to appoint an LGBTQI+ coordinator. These coordinators must ensure safe housing, coordinate programs and health resources (including HIV-related materials), and support LGBTQI+ groups. The bill mandates that incarcerated people can voluntarily share their sexual orientation or gender identity at intake or anytime, and prohibits housing them with individuals expressing anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments. Facilities must publicly report anonymized data on safety incidents and LGBTQI+ needs annually, including compliance with federal prison rape prevention standards. This directly affects incarcerated LGBTQI+ individuals by establishing new protections and accountability measures within correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates LGBTQI+ safety, health resources, and rehabilitation programs in correctional facilities, directly improving rehabilitation and protecting civil rights within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates HIV-related health resources and coordinated care for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people, improving access to specialized healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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 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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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1639: 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 ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects inmate safety, a core correctional aspect of criminal justice, aligning with reform goals to improve facility conditions and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2702: An Act to protect correctional officers

By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2702) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to protect correctional officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects correctional officers, directly supporting corrections within the criminal justice system per its title and summary.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly protects correctional officers (a workforce) by improving workplace safety, a core Labor & Employment topic. No ambiguity in intent to safeguard workers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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