Criminal Justice (Courts)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1716: An Act prohibiting court ordered visitation rights to any persons convicted of criminal offenses against a minor

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1716) of Colleen M. Garry for legislation to prohibit court ordered visitation rights to persons convicted of criminal offenses against minors. The Judiciary.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill explicitly prohibits visitation rights for offenders convicted of crimes against minors, reducing defendant rights in criminal justice context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1334: An Act removing state funded counsel for sex offender classification hearings

HD 1334 removes state-funded legal representation for indigent individuals in sex offender classification hearings. The bill amends Chapter 6, Section 178L of the General Laws to eliminate provisions requiring the board or court to appoint counsel for those deemed indigent under Chapter 211D standards. It replaces language guaranteeing "the right to have counsel appointed" with only the right to "retain counsel," meaning offenders must pay for their own attorney. This directly affects low-income individuals facing administrative sex offender classification decisions. The change removes both the obligation to provide state-appointed counsel and the requirement to inform offenders of this right.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves state-funded counsel for indigent defendants in sex offender hearings, reducing access to legal representation and defendant rights per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1712: An Act to ensure the ability to prosecute repeat OUI offenses

HD 1712 ensures that sealed prior OUI (Operating Under the Influence) convictions can be used as evidence in repeat offense cases. It amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws to override a provision in Chapter 276 that previously made sealed OUI records inadmissible in court. This means prosecutors can present past OUI convictions - even if legally sealed - when charging drivers with repeat offenses. The bill directly affects individuals facing second or subsequent OUI charges in Massachusetts.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows sealed OUI convictions to be used in repeat prosecutions, reducing defendant rights and expanding prosecutorial reach in criminal cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 81: An Act to prevent aiding, supporting, or enticing a child to runaway

HD 81 makes it a crime to knowingly help a child under 18 run away from their legal caregiver, such as a parent, guardian, or child welfare agency like DCF or foster care. It sets penalties: up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine for children under 18, up to 5 years in prison for children under 14, and harsher penalties (up to 10 years) when involving DCF or court-ordered care. The bill also adds stricter punishments if the act occurs near schools, with fines starting at $2,500 and prison terms up to 5 years. This directly affects individuals who assist minors in leaving legally mandated care without authorization.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by imposing jail terms/fines for aiding child runaways, increasing penalties for DCF/court-related cases. Matches OPPOSE indicators of harsher sentencing and expanded criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

Track

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

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 798: An Act relative to the Commonwealth’s right to appeal bail decisions

This bill (HD 798) gives the Commonwealth (state prosecutors) the right to appeal bail decisions made by district courts within one business day. It directly affects defendants who are on bail for prior charges and face new criminal charges, as well as district courts, prosecutors, and defendants' attorneys. Key provisions require prosecutors to file a petition for review within 24 hours of a bail decision, mandate a hearing before the superior court the next business day (unless extraordinary circumstances exist), and require courts to inform defendants about the appeal process. The bill does not change bail standards but creates a new, expedited review path for prosecutors to challenge bail grants or conditions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeGives prosecutors power to appeal bail decisions within 24 hours, restricting defendant rights and increasing pretrial detention without reform language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track