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SD 2600

An Act ensuring an appropriate response to shoplifting

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Velis

Allows judges to order a substance use disorder evaluation in shoplifting cases to guide treatment or alternatives, affecting defendants and court processes.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2600

Summary of Bill SD 2600: An Act ensuring an appropriate response to shoplifting

Overview

SD 2600 proposes a targeted amendment to Massachusetts criminal law governing shoplifting. Its central change authorizes judges to order an evaluation for substance use disorder (SUD) in relevant proceedings, flagging a shift toward treatment-oriented responses when substance use is a factor.

What the bill does

  • Amends Paragraph 6 of Section 30A of Chapter 266 of the General Laws.
  • Inserted language (at the end of Paragraph 6): “At the discretion of the judge, an evaluation for substance use disorder may be ordered.”
  • In practice, this gives judges the authority to require a formal evaluation to determine whether a person charged with shoplifting has a substance use disorder and may inform subsequent judicial options.

Purpose and intent

  • To provide an appropriate, potentially rehabilitative response to shoplifting offenses where substance use may be a contributing factor.
  • Encourages identification of SUD as part of the court process, potentially guiding referrals to treatment or other non-punitive interventions when appropriate.

Who is affected

  • Individuals charged with shoplifting in Massachusetts may be ordered to undergo an SUD evaluation.
  • The court system (judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys) gains a mechanism to mandate evaluation.
  • Substance use disorder treatment providers or evaluators may be engaged to perform the assessments.
  • The change interacts with existing sentencing or diversion options by potentially informing treatment-oriented paths.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Senate Docket: No. 2600, filed January 17, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • February 27, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
    • February 27, 2025: House concurred (indicating House agreement with the bill’s provisions as presented in the Senate, or with accompanying amendments as approved by the House).
  • Status: The bill has achieved House concurrence, indicating passage in one chamber subject to final formal action (e.g., enrollment). No final enactment date is provided in the excerpt.

Financial and implementation considerations

  • The text provided does not specify funding or cost implications.
  • Implementation would depend on the availability of qualified evaluators and the court’s ability to administer or require evaluations within existing processes.

Notes and context

  • The bill comprises a single, targeted amendment to existing law, expanding judicial discretion to order an SUD evaluation in shoplifting cases.
  • It does not mandate treatment or outline subsequent steps after an evaluation; it focuses on enabling the evaluation itself as part of the judicial response.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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