This bill modifies Massachusetts school safety policies by restricting school resource officers (SROs) to only address serious criminal conduct (like violence or property damage), prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or non-violent disruptions. It requires school districts to annually report detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals) and budgets for mental health support, with public disclosure of this information. Additionally, the bill creates grants for schools to adopt "holistic school health and safety practices" that avoid law enforcement involvement, such as restorative justice programs and relationship-building initiatives. These changes directly affect all public school districts, charter schools, and regional districts in Massachusetts, aiming to shift safety approaches away from punitive measures.
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.
By Representatives Cataldo of Concord and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3303) of Simon Cataldo, Sean Garballey and Paul J. Donato for legislation to establish an office of restorative justice within the executive office for administration and finance to build restorative justice capacity in the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representatives Donaghue of Westborough and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4123) of Kate Donaghue and Andres X. Vargas relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1179) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to proportionality in joint venture sentencing for accessory to murder. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Lewis of Framingham and Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2656) of Jack Patrick Lewis, Samantha Montaño and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to penalties for law enforcement officers wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties. The Judiciary.
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2052) of Christopher J. Worrell and others relative to parole and establishing a restorative justice program. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Day of Stoneham and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1636) of Michael S. Day and David M. Rogers relative to the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board. The Judiciary.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1216) of Patrick M. O'Connor and David F. DeCoste for legislation relative to the protection of police officers. The Judiciary.
