Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2071: An Act to implement recommendations of the commission on structural racism in the parole process

SD 2071 reforms the state's parole process to address structural racism, directly affecting incarcerated individuals, parole board members, and correctional facilities. The bill mandates that parole board members include at least one person with lived experience of incarceration who successfully completed parole, requires 3 members with mental health/substance use expertise, and prohibits parole conditions not tied to individual rehabilitation or public safety evidence. It also requires the parole board to collect and publish detailed data on parole outcomes by race, ethnicity, and gender, including violation types, revocation reasons, and processing times. Additionally, the bill mandates written records of parole decisions with clear instructions for denied applicants and public hearings 90 days before parole eligibility dates. These changes aim to increase transparency, accountability, and equity in parole decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReforms parole process to address structural racism, mandates lived experience and mental health expertise, prohibits non-evidence-based conditions - directly advances criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1740: An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2159) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to establish an office of restorative justice within the executive office for administration and finance. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes restorative justice office, promoting reform and rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1788: An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing

This bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, eliminating the need for individuals to file petitions. It requires correctional facilities to report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who then automatically seals eligible records after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 for felonies), excluding sex offenses, certain drug violations, and other specified crimes. The commissioner must seal records within 30 days of eligibility, provide clear notices to affected individuals at sentencing, and allow access to sealed records without court orders upon request. It directly affects people with past convictions who meet the waiting periods and criminal justice agencies responsible for record management.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomates record sealing for eligible individuals, reducing barriers to employment/housing and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1630: An Act creating an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1725) of Liz Miranda, Russell E. Holmes, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to create an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Correctional Facilities of the Commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates independent oversight for correctional facilities to address structural racism, directly advancing criminal justice reform through enhanced accountability and equity measures.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 297: An Act to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ People

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1660) of Julian Cyr for legislation to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly promotes rehabilitation programs for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like improved rehabilitation and civil rights protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees healthcare access and treatment for incarcerated LGBTQI+ individuals, directly advancing health services in correctional settings per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 671: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2114) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes jail/prison construction moratorium, directly limiting correctional infrastructure expansion. This aligns with criminal justice reform goals to reduce mass incarceration and promote alternatives, a clear support indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1406: An Act relative to creating uniform standards for section 12 and 15 license applications

This bill amends license application rules for certain professional licenses (specifically referenced in Sections 12 and 15 of Chapter 138). It changes the automatic rejection of applicants with any felony conviction by adding a provision: individuals with felony convictions older than 10 years before applying may demonstrate rehabilitation. Licensing authorities must then consider this rehabilitation and whether the conviction should not automatically block the license. This directly affects applicants with past felony convictions who are seeking these specific licenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeChanges automatic rejection of felony convictions over 10 years old, requiring rehabilitation consideration. Promotes reintegration and aligns with criminal justice reform by reducing barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals.95% confidence

Tags Licensing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1269: An Act relative to juror comprehension

HD 1269 requires courts to provide each juror with a physical card clearly defining the specific charges and legal terms relevant to their trial. This applies directly to jurors serving in criminal cases. The card must be provided at the start of the trial and can be replaced if a juror requests it. The bill aims to improve juror understanding of the legal process by making key terms accessible in plain language during the trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires plain-language legal terms for jurors in criminal trials, improving comprehension and fair trial access - directly aligns with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2078: An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence

This bill automatically seals criminal records for offenses that did not result in a conviction or "guilty file" disposition, directly affecting individuals with unconvicted cases. It eliminates the need for people to file petitions to seal such records, requiring courts and probation agencies to seal them immediately after final disposition (including completion of supervision). The bill also mandates that agencies provide a written notice stating "a presumption of innocence applies" for unconvicted offenses when sharing records. Additionally, it ensures individuals can access their sealed records without court orders and clarifies that convictions only include formal "findings of guilt," excluding continuances without finding. These changes aim to reduce barriers for people with unconvicted cases in employment, housing, and other areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically seals unconvicted records, removes collateral consequences, and affirms presumption of innocence - directly advancing criminal justice reform by protecting rights and reducing barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1454: An Act protecting youth during custodial interrogations

This bill (HD 1454) sets strict rules for police questioning of juveniles (people under 18) in misdemeanor cases. It states that any statement a juvenile makes during police questioning cannot be used as evidence unless three conditions are met: an attorney must be present before Miranda warnings and throughout the entire interrogation, the entire process must be audio and video recorded, and the charges must be for a misdemeanor only. The juvenile or their guardian cannot waive the attorney requirement or the recording rule. Recordings must be automatically shared with the defense and kept until the case is fully resolved, including after appeals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates attorney presence and recording during juvenile interrogations, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability in criminal justice proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Policing

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