Criminal Justice

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 11, 2025

H 4465: An Act relative to clarity and consistency for the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board

H 4465 requires Massachusetts criminal justice agencies - including trial courts, probation services, parole boards, the Department of Correction, county jails, and district attorneys - to standardize data collection on individuals entering the system. Agencies must use unique statewide identifiers for cross-tracking, collect demographic details (race, ethnicity, gender, age), offense information, and recidivism rates (re-arrest, reconviction, reincarceration) tracked over 1-3 years. Data must be anonymized and publicly accessible via online portals, with annual reports published by the Executive Office of Public Safety. The Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board will review compliance quarterly and submit annual reports to lawmakers on data collection and policy adherence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates standardized data collection on demographics and recidivism for justice reinvestment oversight, directly supporting reform efforts through evidence-based policy evaluation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 4026: An Act strengthening police reform

By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4026) of Russell E. Holmes relative to the powers of certain employees of the parole board and correctional institutions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill title explicitly states 'strengthening police reform' and addresses parole/correctional powers, aligning with accountability and reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2047: An Act eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses

By Representative Williams of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2047) of Bud L. Williams relative to eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates mandatory minimum drug sentences, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing mass incarceration and promoting rehabilitation over punitive sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1840: An Act to enhance safety and security in courthouses

By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1840) of David Paul Linsky for legislation to further regulate safety and security in courthouses. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances courthouse security, directly supporting court operations within criminal justice system85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1666: An Act relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers

By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1666) of David F. DeCoste and others relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers. The Judiciary.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes capital punishment for murder of law enforcement officers, increasing mandatory sentences and expanding criminalization, opposing criminal justice reform trends.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2023: An Act restoring judicial discretion in controlled substance cases

By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2023) of Erika Uyterhoeven and Samantha Montaño relative to judicial discretion in certain controlled substance cases. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores judicial discretion in sentencing for controlled substance cases, reducing mandatory minimums and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1498: An Act to limit criminalization of the homeless

H 1498 would prevent Massachusetts cities and towns from imposing criminal penalties - such as fines or jail time - for minor public conduct like sleeping or sitting in public spaces when someone is experiencing homelessness. It directly affects unhoused residents who currently face legal consequences for basic survival activities in public areas. The bill requires municipalities to first ensure adequate shelter availability before enforcing such penalties, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions. This policy change aims to reduce the criminalization of homelessness while promoting access to shelter.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' survival activities, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' basic survival activities, requiring shelter availability first. Directly addresses homelessness - a core housing issue - shifting focus from punishment to housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 387: An Act relative to safer schools

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts SROs to serious crimes only, mandates transparency in school interactions, and reduces non-violent arrests, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRestricts SROs to serious crimes and mandates mental health budgets/data reporting, enhancing school safety and student well-being in K-12 education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2159: 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 JusticeBill establishes restorative justice office, a direct criminal justice reform promoting rehabilitation and harm repair over punitive measures.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 9, 2026

H 3303: An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes office to build restorative justice capacity, aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice topic description.95% confidence

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