This document is an annual report submitted by the Office of Grants and Research to state lawmakers detailing the results of the Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative for fiscal year 2026. The initiative provides grant funding to community-based nonprofits that offer pre-release and post-release services to individuals aged 18 to 25 who are returning to the community from incarceration. Eligible organizations must deliver evidence-based programs that include education, job readiness, and at least 12 months of case management after release. The report outlines the specific criteria used to evaluate applicants, the amount of funds awarded, and the outcomes achieved by the participating programs.
This bill requires the Massachusetts Probation Service Office of Community Corrections to submit an annual report detailing the use of its Community Justice Support Centers for fiscal year 2026. The report must include statistical data on how these centers, which offer treatment and services as an alternative to incarceration, are utilized across the state. The document outlines various pathways for individuals to access these programs, including pretrial options, probation supervision, and reentry support. This submission is directed to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means as mandated by the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Senate, January 22, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1707) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to remove barriers to medical parole; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1722) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to grant elder and medical parole, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2857).
H 5126 would require courts to assess probationers for substance use disorders and order treatment instead of jail time for relapse. It mandates individualized treatment plans using licensed providers or evidence-based practices (like medication-assisted therapy), with courts reviewing provider reports on progress. Probationers who complete treatment but relapse may receive additional treatment rather than incarceration. The bill preserves courts' authority to use other probation sanctions for public safety while shifting focus from punishment to treatment for substance use issues.
H 4861 establishes an Office of Community Justice Programs within the Department of Probation to oversee statewide community-based alternatives to incarceration. It creates three specific program types: "intensive supervision with treatment" (for higher-risk individuals on probation), "pretrial services" (for defendants awaiting trial), and "reentry services" (for people recently released from prison), all requiring court approval or consent. The bill sets standards for program contracts, mandates victim notification for pretrial services, and prohibits using these programs to replace mandatory minimum prison sentences. This directly affects probationers, pretrial defendants, and people returning from incarceration who qualify for these community-based options.
Bill H 4998 increases penalties for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended or revoked and cause harm. It establishes three penalty tiers based on injury severity: up to 2.5 years in jail or $1,000 for minor injury, up to 5 years in prison or $3,000 for serious injury, and up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 for causing death. The bill mandates automatic license revocation for 60 days to 2 years after conviction (longer for severe cases) and prohibits probation or parole for serious violations. It applies specifically to drivers who were ineligible for a license or had a suspended license due to prior violations.
By Representatives Sabadosa of Northampton and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2693) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Erika Uyterhoeven and others relative to elder and medical parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Galvin of Canton (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2614) of Paul McAuliffe relative to medical parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4218) of Russell E. Holmes relative to reforming the parole board. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Worrell of Boston and Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2051) of Christopher J. Worrell, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to limit sentencing for juveniles and youth. The Judiciary.
