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April 16, 2026 Clouds | 67°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.1754 194th (Current)

An Act relative to a fresh start

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1754) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to establish within the Executive Office of Public Safety a fresh start program for the purpose of removing certain existential negative collateral consequences. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Pavel M. Payano
This bill establishes a Fresh Start Program within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety to mitigate the negative consequences of past criminal records and online narratives about individuals' offenses. It raises the age threshold for certain legal protections from 18 to 25 and allows individuals to request updates, removal, or anonymization of online narratives about their past offenses. A Fresh Start Coordinating Council, comprising government officials, media representatives, legal professionals, and formerly incarcerated individuals, will oversee the program, develop best practices, and review applications. The council will also collaborate with media outlets to encourage compliance with recommendations. The bill aims to enhance social and economic mobility for justice-involved individuals by reducing barriers to employment and rehabilitation, particularly for young adults.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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