H 1623
An Act banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts from using tear gas. It aims to restrict the use of this controversial agent, citing concerns about its potential for causing harm and violating human rights. The legislation seeks to ensure that law enforcement utilizes less harmful alternatives when managing crowds or controlling situations.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the use of tear gas by all Massachusetts law enforcement agencies.
- The ban applies to both state and local law enforcement.
- It establishes a prohibition on the purchase and storage of tear gas by law enforcement.
- The Judiciary Committee will study the impact of this ban.
- The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee and subsequently reported.
- The bill was accompanied by a study order (H5281).
- The Senate concurred with the House version of the bill.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts law enforcement agencies
- Law enforcement officers in Massachusetts
- The public in Massachusetts
Notable changes
- This bill represents a significant change in Massachusetts law regarding the use of force by law enforcement.
- It builds upon previous attempts to ban tear gas in the state.
- The bill includes a study order to assess the impact of the ban.
Sponsors
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Bill H.1623 194th (Current)
An Act banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement
By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1623) of Mike Connolly relative to banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Mike Connolly
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1623
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 1:00PM-5:00 PM in A-2 and virtual |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 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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