Bill > S1758

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to place strict restrictions on law enforcement's use of crowd control methods during mass demonstrations. Specifically, the legislation requires police departments to proactively communicate with event organizers before planned demonstrations, develop de-escalation strategies, and designate an officer responsible for communication and conflict prevention. The bill completely prohibits law enforcement from using tear gas or chemical weapons under any circumstances. For other crowd control methods like rubber pellets or releasing police dogs, officers can only use these tactics if: 1) prior de-escalation attempts have failed or are not feasible, 2) the actions are necessary to prevent imminent harm, and 3) the potential harm caused by the intervention is proportionate to the threat. If such crowd control methods are used, the law enforcement agency must file a detailed report with a commission explaining the pre-event planning, de-escalation efforts, and justification for using these methods. The commission will then review the report and determine whether the actions were appropriate and justified, potentially conducting additional investigation if needed.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1758