Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2386

Introduced

2/27/25

Refer

2/27/25

Caption

Prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would introduce significant amendments to Chapter 112 of the Massachusetts General Laws, tightening the ethical standards governing healthcare professionals working with prisoners. It legislates that professionals cannot engage in any relationship or actions that contribute to torture or abusive practices, thus ensuring that their roles remain centered on evaluating, treating, and protecting the health of prisoners. This could fundamentally shift the responsibilities and moral obligations of healthcare providers operating in correctional facilities, reinforcing the importance of adhering to both ethical and legal standards.

Summary

House Bill 2386 aims to prohibit healthcare professionals from participating in the torture and abusive treatment of prisoners in Massachusetts. The bill defines 'health care professional' broadly to include various licensed or certified individuals in health-related fields. Torture is characterized by actions inflicting severe pain or suffering to extract information, punish, or intimidate individuals, while 'abusive treatment' aligns with international human rights standards and constitutional protections against cruel or unusual punishment. By establishing clear definitions and prohibitions, the bill seeks to enhance accountability within healthcare practices in correctional settings.

Contention

The introduction of HB 2386 may lead to discussions around the balance between maintaining security in correctional facilities and safeguarding the rights and dignity of prisoners. Proponents argue that the legislation is a necessary step to uphold human rights and prevent complicity in torture, while opponents may voice concerns about its implications for prison management and security measures, especially regarding interrogation processes. Additionally, there could be debates about the practical enforcement of the bill's provisions and how these standards will be monitored within the corrections system.

Latest H2386 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H1487

Relative to low-income housing eligibility for disabled veterans

MA H1311

Relative to low-income housing eligibility for disabled veterans

MA H2582

Relative to police certification

MA H1639

Relative to eliminating liability limits for abuse of a minor

MA H3472

Relative to reasonable municipal expense reimbursement

MA H1446

Relative to eliminating liability limits for abuse of a minor

MA H1123

Relative to notices by insurance companies

MA H981

Relative to notices by insurance companies

Similar Bills

MI HB6226

Juveniles: criminal procedure; legal representation and electronic recording requirements during custodial interrogation for juveniles; provide for. Amends sec. 1, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.1) & adds sec. 17e to ch. XIIA.

US HB44

Effective and Humane Treatment of Youth Act of 2023 or Kalief's Law This bill establishes requirements for the treatment of youth in the criminal justice system at the federal, state, and local levels. A youth is an individual who is 21 years of age or younger. At the federal level, the bill requires federal law enforcement officers to record youth custodial interrogations, limits the use of solitary confinement for youth at federal facilities, and limits the use of restraints on youth during federal court proceedings. At the state and local levels, the bill places conditions on existing grants and establishes a new grant to incentivize the implementation of similar policies with respect to youth. First, the bill reauthorizes the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program for FY2023-FY2027. To be eligible for grant funds, state and local governments must implement policies that, with respect to youth, provide a right to speedy trial, provide a right to timely bail consideration, and restrict the use of solitary confinement. Second, a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program or the Community Oriented Policing Services program must implement policies and training on police-youth interaction. Third, the bill directs the Department of Justice to award grants to help state and local governments record youth custodial interrogations.