Library of Publications

Testimony dated June 28, 2021 in support of an act to ensure the constitutional rights and human dignity of prisoners on mental health watch.

June 25, 2021

MAMH

A November, 2020 report by the U.S. Department of Justice identified constitutional violations and serious concerns regarding the treatment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in Massachusetts prisons.

Testimony Regarding Penalties for Assault on Certain First Responders

June 15, 2021

Danna Mauch

Testimony dated June 15, 2021 in opposition to H.1888/S.926, which would increase criminal penalties for assaults on certain first responders.

Testimony regarding Behavioral Health Care in Correctional Settings

March 9, 2021

Danna Mauch

People with behavioral health conditions are disproportionately represented in Massachusetts jails and prisons. This March 5, 2021 letter to the Corrections Funding Commission highlights MAMH priorities for mental health services in corrections.

Letter in Support of H.4531, An Act ensuring access to addiction services

June 19, 2020

Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts

Letter dated June 18, 2020 to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing urging adoption of H.4531, which would end the incarceration of patients civilly committed for substance use treatment under Section 35.

Testimony Supporting Creation of a Criminal Justice and Community Support Trust Fund

October 22, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted October 22, 2019 supports S.1662, which would create a trust fund that could accept third-party funding for behavioral health diversion from the criminal justice system.

Testimony Opposing Legislation to Allow Restrictive Housing for More Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

October 22, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted October 7, 2019 opposes H. 1571, which would change the definition of Serious Mental Illness in order to allow restrictive housing for people who have anxiety disorders, trauma, and stress-related disorders.

Testimony of Designees to the Restrictive Housing Oversight Committee on Proposed Regulations

July 19, 2019

Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts

Joint testimony of members of the Department of Corrections' Restrictive Housing Oversight Committee requesting significant amendments to emergency regulations that would affect the RHOC's ability to meet its legislative mandate.