This session Jamie has filed the following bills to improve our criminal justice system and increase public safety:

An Act relative to expungement of criminal records

This bill empowers the Commonwealth to expunge a criminal record where the defendant was mistakenly brought into the criminal justice system because of misidentification, fraud, or procedural error. This bill is in response to a 2010 SJC decision highlighting the lack of a statutory expungement remedy for Massachusetts criminal records.

An Act promoting restorative justice practices

This bill creates an option for law enforcement and courts to divert juvenile and low-level adult criminal offenders to a community-based restorative justice program in lieu of criminal penalties. The diversion may be made at the arrest, pre-arraignment, or sentencing phase. Restorative justice practices may include voluntary meetings among victim, offender, supporters, and community members that provide an opportunity to meet victim needs, hold an offender accountable, explore the impact of the crime upon community, and agree upon a constructive plan of repair by consensus.

An Act establishing a special commission on inmate and prisoner suicide

Massachusetts has among the highest numbers of inmate and prisoner suicides of any state in the country.  Last year suicides in Massachusetts state prisons occurred at a rate more than four times the national average.  While the Department of Correction has already taken some steps to address this problem, more voices need to be brought into the discussion if the Commonwealth is to permanently reduce instances of suicide in state prisons.

An Act prohibiting the sale of lighters to minors. This bill would prevent minors from purchasing lighters in the Commonwealth.