Bill > H1619

This bill amends Section 9 of Chapter 211B of the Massachusetts General Laws to require the Trial Court to collect and maintain specific demographic data about individuals accused of crimes. Specifically, the bill mandates that the court gather information on the offense, race, gender, and age of people appearing before the court in criminal cases, and importantly, requires that this data be made publicly available. This provision aims to increase transparency in the judicial system by allowing the public to access demographic information about criminal defendants, which could potentially help identify patterns or disparities in how different groups are treated within the criminal justice system. The amendment represents a new responsibility for the Trial Court to not only collect this sensitive information but also to ensure it is shared openly with the public.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1619