Advocacy
Take Action!
Are you looking for more ways to get involved? The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is committed to informing, influencing and impacting public policy that transforms society’s response to homicide, and fosters an environment where all communities can live in peace.
Call upon your State Representative and State Senator to co-sponsor the following legislative priorities!
Please contact Pace McConkie Jr. with any questions.
Current Legislative Priorities
An Act Relative to Bereavement Leave (H.1961/S.1205)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Chris Worrell, Sen. Liz Miranda
An Act Relative to Bereavement Leave (H.1879/S.1145)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Sean Garballey, Sen. Michael J. Barrett
Committee: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Although the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job and benefits protection for 56% of the United States workforce, bereavement is not an eligible condition for both job or wage protection. This bill would allow those who suffer the death of a loved one to take time to grieve without the additional worry that it will result in job loss.
An Act to Enhance the Rights of Crime Victims in the Commonwealth (H.1458/S.944)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Marjorie C. Decker, Sen. Julian Cyr
Committee: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
This bill amends Chapter 258B of the Massachusetts General Laws, updating the definition of a family member, clarifying who needs to be notified of sentencing and case disposition, and sets up a commission to study victim impact.
Expanding Juvenile Diversion Eligibility for Low-level Offenses (H.1495/S.940)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley, Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem
Committee: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
This bill expands a judge’s ability to divert a young person out of the criminal justice system and into another program, with more supportive services and without creating a juvenile record.
An Act to Promote Public Safety and Better Outcomes for Young Adults
(“Raise the Age”)(H.1710/S.942)
Lead sponsors: Rep. James J. O’Day, Rep. Manny Cruz, Sen. Brendan P. Crighton
Committee: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
This bill raises the age at which a young person is considered an adult in the eyes of the justice system, keeping 18-20 year olds in the juvenile justice system where they receive more developmentally appropriate and supportive services.
An Act Relative to Expungement of Juvenile and Young Adult Records (H.1451/S.936)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Marjorie C. Decker, Rep. Kay Khan, Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem
Committee: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
This bill eases the process for individuals with juvenile records to have their record expunged, removing barriers and providing more opportunities for young people to thrive.
An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws (HD.4420)
Lead sponsors: Rep. Michael Day
This comprehensive gun reform bill addresses issues of gun violence prevention, such as gun licensing, ghost guns, extreme risk protection orders, data collection and more.
State Budget Line Item 4513-1098 to $1,000,000
These funds sustain the operations and direct services provided by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and support the Survivors of Homicide Victims Network (SHVN) through distributed grants to survivor-led organizations statewide.
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Bridge
The VOCA Bridge is a multi-year state funding request to the Massachusetts Legislature to bridge ongoing cuts to VOCA funded programs and maintain critical victim services.