Bill > H2029

This bill proposes significant changes to probation practices in Massachusetts by eliminating standard probation conditions and establishing more flexible, individualized approaches to sentencing. The legislation would require judges to create probation conditions that specifically address the unique characteristics of the individual offender and the nature of their crime, mandating that any conditions must be supported by current research on criminal recidivism and rehabilitation, with clear and convincing evidence of their potential rehabilitative effect or public safety benefit. The bill would also establish new time limits for probation, capping probation at three years for felonies and one year for misdemeanors, with some exceptions for sex offenses and cases requiring restitution collection. Additionally, the legislation allows for potential 90-day extensions if an offender is completing a court-ordered substance abuse treatment program and provides flexibility for courts to terminate probation early. The goal appears to be creating a more personalized, research-driven approach to probation that focuses on rehabilitation and individual circumstances while preventing unnecessarily prolonged supervision periods.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2029