H 2637
An Act providing for greater police transparency
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill, An Act providing for greater police transparency, aims to increase openness and accountability within Massachusetts law enforcement. It seeks to improve public access to information about police activities, including data on stops, searches, and use of force. The bill intends to foster trust between police departments and the communities they serve by promoting transparency and facilitating oversight.
Key provisions
- Requires police departments to collect and report data on stops, searches, and use of force.
- Establishes a public database of police disciplinary actions.
- Mandates the release of body camera footage to the public, with limited exceptions.
- Creates a process for reviewing and investigating complaints against police officers.
- Requires police departments to develop and implement transparency policies.
- Promotes community engagement in police oversight efforts.
- Expands public access to information about police training and equipment.
- Establishes a task force to study and recommend improvements to police transparency.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts residents
- Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts
- Police officers in Massachusetts
- The public
- Community oversight boards
Notable changes
- Increases public access to police data and records.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Russell E. Holmes
Cosponsor
Russell E. Holmes
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.2637 194th (Current)
An Act providing for greater police transparency
By Representative Holmes of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2637) of Russell E. Holmes relative to police transparency. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Russell E. Holmes
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2637
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/11/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/25/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 4/23/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5322 (under House Rule 27) |
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