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H 1995

An Act regularizing sentencing for hate crimes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires a mandatory diversity awareness program for hate-crime convictions and certain dispositions to be completed before release or probation.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 1995

Summary: House Bill No. 1995 – An Act regularizing sentencing for hate crimes

Overview

H 1995, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. Priscila S. Sousa (primary) with Rep. Marian Ryan and Rep. Rodney M. Elliott as co-sponsors, seeks to regularize sentencing for hate crimes in Massachusetts by adding a mandatory diversity awareness program for certain dispositions. The bill is currently before the Judiciary committee, with a hearing rescheduled for November 25, 2025. The bill is a successor to similar measures filed in prior sessions (e.g., House No. 1766 of 2023-2024).

Key legislative context:
- Related bill: HD 831 (replaces) and similar matter previously filed.
- Status updates show repeated scheduling activity around the November 2025 hearing window.
- The bill amends existing provisions of the General Laws related to hate crime sentencing (Chapter 265, sections 37 and 39).

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

Section 1 – Mandatory diversity awareness program for hate-crime convictions and certain dispositions

  • Amends Section 37 of Chapter 265 (hate crimes) to require, after a conviction or after a “continuance without a finding” under the section, that the defendant complete a diversity awareness program.
  • Program design and oversight:
    • Designed by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety (EOFS) in consultation with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
    • Approved by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court.
  • Scope of obligation:
    • If the court finds the defendant was motivated by protected characteristics (race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability), the court shall order the diversity awareness program.
    • Completion timing: before release from incarceration or before completion of probation, whichever applies.
  • Court’s ability to deviate:
    • If there is good cause, the court may issue specific written findings explaining why the program should not be ordered.

Section 2 – Alignment of dispositions with the new requirement

  • Amends Section 39(b) of Chapter 265 to insert language ensuring that the phrases “A person convicted” and “A person so convicted” also encompass those who receive a continuance without a finding and those granted such continuances.
  • This broadens the applicability of the diversity awareness program to additional post-conviction dispositions.

Who is affected

  • Defendants convicted under Section 37 for hate crimes, and individuals granted a continuation without a finding under Section 37.
  • The program applies to those defendants unless the court, for good cause, issues written findings not to order it.
  • Administrative entities involved:
    • Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Public Safety (program design)
    • Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (consultation)
    • Chief Justice of the Trial Court (approval)
  • Timing requires completion prior to release from incarceration or before probation ends.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: The Judiciary.
  • Legislative actions show ongoing hearing scheduling activity, with a hearing set for November 25, 2025 (A-2) and virtual attendance options, with updated end times.
  • Sponsors: Priscila S. Sousa (primary) and Rodney M. Elliott (cosponsor), with Marian Ryan also among the petitioners.
  • Related: Similar matter previously filed (H 1766 of 2023-2024); HD 831 is related/replaces.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increases emphasis on education and awareness in sentencing for hate crimes, aligning penalties with rehabilitative and educational objectives.
  • Introduces administrative responsibilities and potential costs to run the diversity awareness program.
  • Expands reach to individuals who receive continuances without a finding, ensuring broader participation in program requirements.
  • Provides courts with a narrowly defined mechanism to tailor/not impose the program with documented good-cause exceptions.

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

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