H2023
An Act restoring judicial discretion in controlled substance cases
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Bill overview
This bill aims to restore the ability of judges to exercise discretion when sentencing individuals convicted of drug offenses. Currently, Massachusetts law has placed limitations on judicial discretion in these cases, potentially leading to overly harsh sentences. The bill seeks to allow judges to consider individual circumstances and factors beyond simply adhering to mandatory minimum sentences. It intends to provide a more nuanced approach to sentencing for controlled substance offenses.
Key provisions
- Allows judges to consider individual circumstances during sentencing.
- Aims to reduce reliance on mandatory minimum sentences.
- Specifically addresses controlled substance cases.
- Restores judicial discretion in sentencing decisions.
- The bill is intended to provide flexibility in sentencing.
Who is affected
- Defendants convicted of drug offenses
- Judges presiding over drug-related cases
- The judicial system in Massachusetts
- Individuals impacted by drug sentencing
Notable changes
- Reverses recent restrictions on judicial discretion.
- Potentially reduces the severity of sentences for some drug offenses.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Samantha Montaño
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.2023 194th (Current)
An Act restoring judicial discretion in controlled substance cases
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2023) of Erika Uyterhoeven and Samantha Montaño relative to judicial discretion in certain controlled substance cases. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Erika Uyterhoeven
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2023
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/16/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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