MA House Adopts Somerville Rep's Criminal Justice Amendment

SOMERVILLE, MA – The Massachusetts House of Representatives this week voted unanimously to adopt a Somerville legislator's amendment to the omnibus criminal justice reform bill establishing a justice-involved women's policy review panel. Rep. Christine Barber, who represents parts of Somerville and Medford, spoke in support of her amendment on Monday.

"Putting a special focus on justice-involved women is necessary for our Commonwealth," Barber said. "This amendment will ensure that the policy changes in this bill are implemented in a manner that does not leave out women in the justice system."

Approximately 3 percent more women are incarcerated every year, according to a press release. These women have oftentimes committed lower level or non-violent offenses and have high rates of drug use, trauma and mental illness. The majority of women populating the justice system in Massachusetts are mothers and the primary caretakers of one or more dependent children; thus, their incarceration results in separating families, the release stated.

Barber's amendment would require that state agencies charged with overseeing female offenders and women in the justice system review their policies and identify new areas to positively impact these groups.

"Women’s life experiences, responsibilities and needs are different than those of men and often, women can be negatively impacted by a justice system that was created for a primarily male population," Barber said. "This amendment acknowledges that the Commonwealth requires gender-responsive policies to ensure the best treatment for all justice-involved populations, to ultimately reduce recidivism and harm to families."

Many provisions in the House criminal justice reform package support improved conditions for women in the justice system and keeping families together. The House passed its final criminal justice legislation Tuesday evening after adopting over 50 new amendments. The House and Senate will next appoint members to a conference committee, which will work on a final compromise bill.

Patch File Photo