Life without Parole

An Act repealing mandatory life without parole - H.2398 - S.1544

  • Ends mandatory minimum sentencing that forces life without parole for certain crimes

  • Reduces the incarcerated population, freeing up funding that is desperately needed for essential public services like hospitals and schools

  • Is the first step to reorienting our criminal justice system away from punishment and toward rehabilitation

the decision makers

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Who on committee has co-sponsored:

state senators:

James Eldridgered x
James Eldridge (D)
Acton

chair

Lydia Edwardsred x
Lydia Edwards (D)
Boston

chair

Cynthia Creemred x
Cynthia Creem (D)
Newton
John Velisred x
John Velis (D)
Westfield
Patrick O'Connorred x
Patrick O'Connor (R)
Weymouth
Anne Gobired x
Anne Gobi (D)
Spencer

state representatives:

Michael Dayred x
Michael Day (D)
Stoneham

chair

Christine Barberred x
Christine Barber (D)
Somerville

chair

Colleen Garryred x
Colleen Garry (D)
Dracut
Christopher Markeyred x
Christopher Markey (D)
Dartmouth
Brandy Fluker-Oakleyred x
Brandy Fluker-Oakley (D)
Daniel Careyred x
Daniel Carey (D)
Easthampton
Christopher Hendricksred x
Christopher Hendricks (D)
New Bedford
Adam Scanlonred x
Adam Scanlon (D)
Rita Mendesred x
Rita Mendes (D)
Brockton
Peter Durantred x
Peter Durant (R)
Spencer
Alyson Sullivanred x
Alyson Sullivan (R)
Abington

Who has co-sponsored:

History of the bill

2025

Jan 2024

Joint committee hearing held

Feb 2024

Reporting date extended to April 8, 2024

2024

Jan 2023

Bill reintroduced as H.2398/S.1544

Feb 2023

Sent to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

2023

Feb 2022

Reporting date extended to May 4th, 2022

Oct 2022

Sent to study (Study Order: H.5353)

May 2022

Reporting date extended to May 18th, 2022

2022

Oct 2021

Hearing held

Mar 2021

Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Jan 2021

Bill reintroduced as H.2503

2021

Feb 2020

Sent to study, no record of the vote

2020

Jan 2019

Sent to the Judiciary Committee

2019

Advocacy Organizations