H1960
An Act establishing presumptive parole
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to establish a system of presumptive parole in Massachusetts, utilizing structured, actuarially-based guidelines to determine eligibility. The goal is to shift the focus of parole decisions from solely considering an individual’s past behavior to assessing their risk of reoffending. If the guidelines indicate a low risk, a parole hearing would be presumed, potentially leading to earlier release for eligible inmates. This aims to reduce the prison population and improve public safety.
Key provisions
- Utilizes structured, actuarially-based guidelines for parole decisions.
- Establishes presumptive parole eligibility based on risk assessment.
- Reduces reliance on subjective factors in parole determinations.
- Aims to decrease the overall prison population.
- Requires a study order (H5281) to inform the implementation of the guidelines.
Who is affected
- Incarcerated individuals
- Correctional officers
- The Massachusetts Judiciary
- Prisoners
- The Department of Correction
Notable changes
- Shifts parole decisions from discretionary to a more data-driven, risk-based approach.
- May lead to earlier release for inmates deemed low risk by the guidelines.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
David M. Rogers
Cosponsors
David M. Rogers
Joanne M. Comerford
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
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Bill H.1960 194th (Current)
An Act establishing presumptive parole
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1960) of David M. Rogers and Joanne M. Comerford relative to establishing presumptive parole using structured, actuarially-based guidelines. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: David M. Rogers
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1960
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-09:00 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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