Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 1132: An Act relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1132) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford and Adam Gomez for legislation relative to compensation for victims of wrongful conviction. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides compensation for victims of wrongful conviction, directly addressing systemic flaws in criminal justice and protecting civil rights through reform measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 156: Resolve establishing a special commission on the treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 156) of Joan B. Lovely and Susannah M. Whipps that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to tthe treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates commission to study treatment of disabled offenders in criminal justice system, aligning with reform goals to improve practices and address systemic gaps.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2055: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2055) of Christopher J. Worrell relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides pre-adjudication credit for juveniles, reducing unnecessary detention and promoting rehabilitation - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1955: An Act relative to fentanyl test strips

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Schwartz of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1955) of David M. Rogers, Greg Schwartz and others relative to the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizing fentanyl test strips reduces criminal penalties for possession, aligns with harm reduction reform, and promotes public health within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDecriminalizing fentanyl test strips increases public health access to harm reduction tools, directly supporting overdose prevention and patient safety within healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1129: An Act to eliminate standard conditions in probation

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1129) of Adam Gomez for legislation to eliminate standard conditions in probation. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates blanket probation conditions, reducing unnecessary restrictions and aligning with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1658: An Act to enhance fairness and increase positive outcomes for children

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1658) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to the use of electronic monitoring of juveniles. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes juvenile justice reform through electronic monitoring alternatives, enhancing fairness as stated in title and summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 20, 2025

H 1695: An Act promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and services

By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1695) of Brandy Fluker-Reid, Erika Uyterhoeven and Russell E. Holmes relative to promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and services. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes juvenile diversion to community services, reducing incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals like rehabilitation and recidivism reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1678: An Act to ensure all Massachusetts litigants due process of law

H 1678, introduced by Representative Michelle DuBois, aims to strengthen due process protections for all individuals involved in court cases (litigants) across Massachusetts. The bill focuses on procedural reforms within the state's judicial system to ensure fair treatment for plaintiffs, defendants, and other parties in legal proceedings. It would require courts to implement specific safeguards to uphold due process rights during litigation, though the exact mechanisms are not detailed in the provided abstract. This legislation directly affects anyone participating in civil or criminal cases in Massachusetts courts. The bill is currently under consideration by the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens due process protections for litigants in court, aligning with criminal justice reform by ensuring fair treatment and upholding civil rights during legal proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1285: An Act ensuring an appropriate response to shoplifting

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1285) of John C. Velis for legislation relative penalties for shoplifting and judicial discretion when a person is dealing with a substance use disorder. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows judicial discretion for substance use disorder in shoplifting cases, promoting diversion over punishment, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1587: An Act relative to justice for survivors

By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1587) of Christine P. Barber, Brandy Fluker-Reid and others relative to adults or children charged with crimes. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill title 'An Act relative to justice for survivors' directly addresses victim-centered criminal justice reform, aligning with indicators like protecting civil rights and promoting system accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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