State Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford joined her House colleagues last Wednesday in voting to adopt S.2371, An Act relative to criminal justice reform, a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that is a result of compromise discussions between the House and Senate.

The legislation enacted offers sweeping changes to the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system that will make positive strides to reduce incarceration levels, address incarceration conditions, and reduce recidivism. Noteworthy reforms include prohibiting the practice of incarcerating individuals solely for their inability to pay bail, a path for juveniles to expunge their criminal histories, standardized data collection on race, ethnicity, and recidivism rates, repeal of mandatory minimum sentences for low level drug offenses, and increased opportunity for diversion through restorative justice programs.

Also included in the omnibus legislation is a new justice-involved women policy review panel, a result of a unanimously adopted amendment Rep. Barber filed to the House bill in November. Intended to put a special focus on justice-involved women in the Commonwealth, the panel will review criminal justice policies in recognition of the reality that women’s life experiences, responsibilities, and needs are different than those of men, and that often, women can be negatively affected by a justice system that was created for a primarily male population. Made up of state agencies charged with overseeing female offenders, those responsible for their public health, mental health, and looking after their children, and those with expertise on trauma and approaches to working with justice-involved women, the panel will work to ensure the Commonwealth is adopting gender-responsive policies, ensuring the best treatment for all justice-involved populations.

“I am so proud of the hard work that has gone into crafting this bill, by legislators and advocates alike. I am excited to see the many provisions of this legislation be implemented, and am eager to see improvements to the criminal justice system that affects the lives of so many in Massachusetts,” said Representative Barber.

The bill, enacted by both the House and the Senate, is now before the Governor to be signed into law.

— Office of State Representative Christine P. Barber