Bill > S2371

This bill makes several key changes to the criminal justice system in Massachusetts: - Establishes an "age of criminal majority" at 18 years old and defines an "offense-based tracking number" for criminal justice agencies. - Requires the municipal police training committee to establish in-service training programs on bias-free policing, civilian interaction, de-escalation techniques, and handling mental health emergencies. - Amends the definition of "criminal offender record information" to exclude information from cases dismissed before arraignment. - Requires the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services to collect and publish quarterly arrest data. - Establishes a Forensic Science Oversight Board to provide independent auditing and oversight of forensic evidence and analysis used in criminal matters. - Creates a uniform booklet of information for individuals released from correctional facilities on their criminal record rights and expungement process. - Establishes data collection and reporting standards for criminal justice agencies and the trial court on incarceration populations, recidivism rates, and racial/ethnic data. - Creates a statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system and requires timely testing and processing of kits. - Restricts the use of restraints on juveniles in court proceedings. - Prohibits the placement of certain juveniles in secure detention or correctional facilities. - Allows for the diversion of juvenile court charges to community-based restorative justice programs. - Establishes a Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to evaluate policies and procedures in the juvenile justice system. - Makes various changes to bail, probation, and sentencing laws to reduce financial hardships and expand alternatives to incarceration. The bill also creates new commissions and task forces to study various aspects of the criminal justice system, including bail reform, treatment of 18-24 year olds, and the impact on justice-involved women.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2371