H1961
An Act relative to life without parole
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to address the practice of life without parole sentences in Massachusetts. It proposes a study to examine the current application and impact of these sentences, considering potential reforms and alternatives. The goal is to evaluate whether life without parole is consistently applied fairly and to explore options for increasing the possibility of parole eligibility for individuals serving such sentences. The bill also considers related legislation aimed at reforming parole systems.
Key provisions
- Directs the Judiciary Committee to conduct a study of life without parole sentences in Massachusetts.
- The study should examine the application of life without parole sentences, including disparities and potential biases.
- The study should explore alternative sentencing options and the possibility of increasing parole eligibility.
- The study should consider the impact of life without parole sentences on individuals, families, and communities.
Who is affected
- Individuals serving life without parole sentences
- Families of individuals serving life without parole sentences
- The Massachusetts Judiciary
- The Department of Correction
- The public
Notable changes
- The bill mandates a comprehensive study of life without parole sentencing practices.
- It implicitly suggests a potential review and possible reform of existing sentencing guidelines.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
David M. Rogers
Cosponsor
David M. Rogers
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.1961 194th (Current)
An Act relative to life without parole
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1961) of David M. Rogers relative to life sentences without eligibility for parole. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
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.1961
| 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) |
Similar Bills
H.1542 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act relative to life without parole
H.1852 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act relative to life without parole
H.1739 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act relative to life without parole
H.2694 194th (Current)
An Act to promote equitable access to parole
H.2051 194th (Current)
An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.