Bill > H2677

This bill requires all law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to establish a minority recruitment and selection program aimed at increasing diversity within their ranks. The program must seek to remedy past discrimination and make good faith efforts to recruit and hire minorities and females, with specific goals and timelines. Each agency must post their program on their official website and annually submit a detailed report to the Attorney General, including demographic information about their officers, applicants, and hiring/promotion practices. The Attorney General will monitor these programs, develop guidelines for their implementation, and publish an annual summary report that will be shared with the governor, secretary of public safety, and legislative clerks. The bill defines law enforcement agencies broadly, including state, county, municipal, and district police departments, campus and hospital police, and sheriff's departments. Key terms like "law enforcement officer" are specifically defined, and the bill requires agencies to track and evaluate their progress in building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. The legislation will take effect 120 days after its passage.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2677