Bill > H40

This bill, titled "Relative to criminal sentencing," proposes significant changes to Massachusetts General Laws concerning drug offenses, sentencing, and correctional facility operations. Key provisions include the establishment of new sentencing guidelines for manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing controlled substances in Classes A, B, and C, with increased penalties for repeat offenders and those who use firearms during the commission of these crimes. The bill also revises penalties for trafficking various controlled substances, including marihuana, phencyclidine, and heroin, with escalating punishments based on the quantity involved and introducing mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses. Furthermore, it introduces mandatory post-release supervision for individuals sentenced to state prison, requiring a period of supervision after release that is a percentage of the maximum sentence, with provisions for early termination and consequences for violations. The bill also modifies rules regarding the transfer of inmates' medical and mental health information between facilities and departments to ensure continuity of care, allows for medical release of prisoners with irreversible or terminal conditions under specific circumstances, and revises good conduct credit deductions for sentence reduction and parole eligibility. Finally, it introduces provisions for habitual criminal sentencing for individuals with prior felony convictions and clarifies procedures for parole eligibility and revocation.