Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 13, 2026

SD 4102: Drug Rehab, Drug Education & Neighborhood Crime Watch Trust Fund

Report of the Cape and Islands District Attorney (pursuant of Section 47(d) of Chapter 94C of the General Laws) submitting its 2026 report relative to the use of monies in the law enforcement trust fund for the purposes of drug rehabilitation, drug education, and other anti-drug or neighborhood crime watch programs

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reports on funding for drug rehab and education via a law enforcement trust fund, directly supporting criminal justice reform and community safety programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 29, 2026

H 5613: An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia

This bill creates a mandatory dementia training program for law enforcement officers and firefighters to better assist individuals with Alzheimer's and related conditions. It requires new recruits to complete at least two hours of initial training and all active officers to undergo one hour of biannual education, focusing on recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, and identifying abuse. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Director of Dementia Care and Coordination within the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee state plans and evaluate the quality of training across various professions. These changes aim to improve safety and care for people with dementia while ensuring first responders and healthcare workers have the necessary skills to handle related situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates dementia training for law enforcement to improve officer effectiveness and reduce inappropriate interactions with vulnerable individuals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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signed · Massachusetts · House Aug 5, 2026

H 5620: An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

This bill directs the governor to limit civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and properties, unless required by federal law or specific state programs. It requires the creation of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, and schools on how to verify the authority of immigration officers and handle related interactions. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to file civil lawsuits against any law enforcement officer who violates specific federal statutes regarding immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and protects civil rights by limiting immigration enforcement in state buildings and requiring verification guidelines.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement activities within state buildings and mandates guidelines on verifying officer authority, limiting state cooperation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 29, 2026

HD 5809: A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8100-0111 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Office of Grants and Research Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative annual report for fiscal year 2026

This bill is a procedural communication that submits the annual report for the Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative for fiscal year 2026 to the state legislature. The initiative, administered by the Office of Grants and Research, provides one-time funding to local communities to combat gang violence through regional, multi-agency strategies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate high levels of youth violence in their area and commit to a 25 percent financial match from municipal or private sources. The report details how grant funds were distributed to support prevention programs, law enforcement coordination, and reintegration efforts for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill submits a report for an initiative funding community strategies to combat gang violence, indicating support for public safety and crime reduction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 7, 2026

S 3085: Amendment S.3085

This bill amends Massachusetts state laws to restrict civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and facilities, except when required by federal law or specific state programs. It grants the governor the authority to prohibit or limit these enforcement efforts and requires the creation of rules to minimize potential civil rights violations. Additionally, the legislation mandates the publication of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, law enforcement officers, and school districts on how to handle interactions related to immigration enforcement, including instructions on verifying officer credentials and documenting such encounters. These guidelines will be made available on the commonwealth's website to inform residents and visitors regardless of their immigration status.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state buildings to protect civil rights and minimize violations, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state buildings, limiting cooperation with federal authorities and protecting immigrant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 20, 2026

H 5438: Amendment H.5438

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of State Police to create and distribute blue envelopes designed to assist law enforcement officers in communicating with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder. These envelopes will contain guidance on effective communication strategies and will be large enough to hold a driver's license and vehicle registration, with instructions for attaching them to a car's sun visor for easy access. The Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles will provide these envelopes to anyone with autism spectrum disorder or their parent or guardian upon request. The law is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves police communication with individuals with autism, enhancing accountability and reducing potential conflicts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 21, 2026

H 5444: An Act relative to civil rights and technology

This bill amends Massachusetts law to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement, the military, and specific testing or educational uses. It establishes strict penalties for violating these rules, including mandatory prison sentences without the possibility of probation or parole, and criminalizes using such robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain individuals. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before deploying armed robots on private property or for surveillance, mandates quarterly public reporting on their use, and grants individuals the right to sue for damages if the law is violated.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by prohibiting robotic weapons and mandates strict prison sentences without probation, limiting law enforcement tools and increasing penalties.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts the manufacture and sale of robotic devices equipped with weapons, limiting the deployment of this specific technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SD 3826: An Act increasing pre-employment requirements for appointment as a Massachusetts police officer

By Mr. Cronin (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dennis Galvin for legislation to increase pre-employment requirements for appointment as a Massachusetts police officer. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases pre-employment requirements for police officers, enhancing accountability and professional standards within law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 29, 2026

H 5316: An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

This Massachusetts bill restricts civil immigration enforcement activities in nonpublic areas of state facilities unless required by law or necessary for federally funded programs. It requires the governor to create multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, law enforcement, and schools on how to handle immigration-related interactions, including verifying officer credentials and warrants. The legislation also mandates that correctional facilities provide detained individuals with written notices about their legal rights in their primary language. These provisions apply to a wide range of entities including police departments, universities, hospitals, and private organizations that employ ten or more people or receive state funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rule of law, oversight, and equal constitutional treatment while requiring multilingual guidelines for immigration interactions, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts civil immigration enforcement in state facilities and requires multilingual guidelines for handling immigration interactions, protecting immigrant rights and limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5274: An Act relative to establishing protections for and ensuring access to harm reduction programming and services in the commonwealth

This bill establishes legal protections and access for harm reduction programs and services throughout the commonwealth, primarily affecting health organizations, service providers, and individuals involved in substance use support. It creates a new legal definition for harm reduction programs, which can include needle exchanges, distribution of opioid antagonists, drug testing services, and referrals to treatment, and requires these programs to be approved by the state department and local health boards. The legislation grants immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and professional disciplinary action to program operators and participants acting in good faith, while excluding cases involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or discriminatory behavior. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting on program activities and data collection to track outcomes, and clarifies that entering or using a harm reduction program cannot be used as grounds for law enforcement searches or seizures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes harm reduction programs which reduce criminalization of substance use, improve public health outcomes, and support rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes legal protections and access for harm reduction programs, expanding healthcare services and protecting patient rights in substance use treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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