Bill > H3453

This bill, known as the "Justice Safety Valve Act," aims to give courts the discretion to depart from mandatory minimum sentences in certain cases. Specifically, the bill allows courts to depart from mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent offenses if the court finds that the mandatory minimum sentence is not necessary for public protection and would result in substantial injustice to the defendant, or if the defendant is eligible for alternative sentencing options based on a risk, needs, and responsivity assessment. The bill also requires the Executive Office of the Massachusetts Trial Court to submit an annual report on the use of these sentencing departures, including demographic information and the types of crimes involved.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3453