Bill > H1623

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding a new section that comprehensively bans law enforcement officers and agencies from purchasing, obtaining, using, or permitting the use of chemical substances that cause rapid sensory irritation or disabling physical effects in humans, specifically mentioning "tear gas" and "CS gas" as examples. Under this proposed legislation, any law enforcement officer or agency that violates this prohibition would be subject to a criminal fine of $5,000. The bill aims to restrict the use of chemical crowd control agents that can cause immediate and potentially harmful physiological responses, effectively preventing law enforcement from deploying such substances during protests, demonstrations, or other situations involving civilian populations. By establishing a clear monetary penalty, the bill creates a direct legal consequence for agencies or individual officers who choose to use these chemical agents, thereby potentially discouraging their use and protecting individuals from potential health risks associated with such substances.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1623