An Act banning the use of tear gas by law enforcement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly

Massachusetts bill bans law enforcement from purchasing or using tear gas/CS gas; prohibits agents causing rapid sensory irritation, with a $5,000 fine for violations.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Summary of H.1623 / House Docket No. 1293

Purpose and scope
- The bill would ban the purchase, acquisition, use, or authorization of any chemical or substance that can rapidly produce sensory irritation or disabling effects in humans, for law enforcement purposes. Tear gas and CS gas are provided as examples.
- This represents a prohibition on certain crowd-control agents by law enforcement across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Key provisions
- Insertion of new Section 116L into Chapter 6 of the General Laws, after existing Section 116K (as added by Chapter 253 of the acts of 2020).
- Prohibited conduct (Section 116L(a)):
- No law enforcement officer, agency, or department may purchase, obtain, use, or allow to be used on any person a chemical or substance that can produce rapid sensory irritation or disabling physical effects within a short time of exposure.
- Explicit examples include tear gas and CS gas.
- Penalty (Section 116L(b)):
- Violation is punishable by a criminal fine of $5,000.

Affected parties and potential impacts
- Affected entities: All Massachusetts law enforcement officers, police departments, and related agencies.
- Affected individuals: People subjected to any prohibited chemical or substance during enforcement activities.
- Practical impact: The bill would effectively phase out the use of tear gas/CS gas as a tool for crowd control or other law enforcement actions, replacing it with alternative strategies not involving the covered chemical agents.

Procedural history and timeline
- Introduction and referral:
- Introduced Feb 27, 2025 by Rep. Mike Connolly (Cambridge).
- Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
- Legislative actions:
- Related matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (HD 1425).
- Hearing notices indicate a scheduled hearing for Sept 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-2, with a potential virtual option ( notices dated around Sept 3, 2025 and Oct 20, 2025 also reference hearings in similar timeframes).
- Status:
- The bill is under consideration by the Judiciary committee, with a public hearing planned to discuss its provisions and potential amendments.

Additional context
- This bill is categorized as a “bill” and is part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026).
- The sponsor is Representative Mike Connolly of Cambridge (26th Middlesex).

Notes for readers
- If enacted, enforcement agencies would need to cease use and procurement of tear gas/CS gas and related substances and would face the $5,000 fine per violation.
- The bill does not specify any exceptions or transitional timelines beyond the general prohibition and penalty. Public hearings may consider modifications or clarifications.