H4470
An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process
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 aims to put into action the recommendations made by the Commission on structural racism in Massachusetts’ parole process. The bill seeks to address systemic biases that may exist within the system, focusing on fairness and equity in parole decisions. It intends to create changes to the parole process to reduce disparities and ensure a more just outcome for individuals awaiting release from prison. The bill is based on the work of the Commission and seeks to implement its findings.
Key provisions
- Review and revise existing parole criteria to minimize racial disparities.
- Implement data collection and analysis to identify and address biases in the parole process.
- Provide training for parole officers on implicit bias and structural racism.
- Establish a process for individuals to challenge parole decisions based on potential bias.
- Require the Department of Correction to report on the implementation of these changes.
Who is affected
- Individuals awaiting parole in Massachusetts
- Parole officers
- The Department of Correction
- The Judiciary Committee
- Applicants for parole
Notable changes
- The bill focuses on addressing systemic biases within the parole process, moving beyond individual cases.
- It requires data collection and analysis to identify and track disparities.
- It mandates training for parole officers on bias awareness.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Andres X. Vargas
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.4470 194th (Current)
An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4470
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/11/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 9/11/2025 | House | New draft of H2030 |
| 9/11/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.2030 194th (Current)
An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process
S.1128 194th (Current)
An Act to implement recommendations of the commission on structural racism in the parole process
H.1805 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process
H.4837 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act to implement recommendations of the Commission on structural racism in the parole process
H.2636 194th (Current)
An Act creating an independent correctional oversight office to facilitate the recommendations of the special legislative commission on structural ra...
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.