Senate President Stan Rosenberg joined Boston Public Radio Tuesday to discuss the Senate's new 114-page criminal justice reform bill.
“What we are trying to do is reduce incarceration and recidivism, and we are trying to do that by reverting, particularly people who have substance abuse problems and mental problems, into treatment instead of jail because you don’t get better in jail,” Rosenberg said.
In addition to encouraging the use of treatment centers, Rosenberg said the bill will also focus on reforming the current bail system and reducing the use of solitary confinement. “It is considered to be really aggressive compared to what other states are doing,” Rosenberg said about Massachusetts current rules on solitary confinement.
Another aspect of the bill is dedicated to reducing mandatory minimums, specifically for drug related crimes. Rosenberg said he has not yet seen strong opposition to the bill and does not believe it will be met with much resistance.
“I think there is going to be a lot of support for this package overall,” he said.
Click above to listen to our full interview with Senate President Stan Rosenberg.
