Massachusetts looks to tighten hate crime statute
State Sen. Adam Hinds FILE PHOTO
Published: 5/9/2021 8:34:51 AM
The sharp increase in incidents of hate, particularly directed at Asian Americans, has prompted lawmakers to file legislation to strengthen the state’s hate crime statute, provide better training to recognize bias and redefine penalties for breaking the law.
Rep. Tram Nguyen, D-Andover, and Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, joined forces with Attorney General Maura Healey in an effort to protect women and immigrants as targets of hate crimes; escalate penalties for repeat offenders; combine civil rights and hate crimes statutes into one section of the law; allow for harsher sentencing for severe offenses without creating mandatory minimums; and create clearer definitions of hate crimes.
Nebraska advances DNA testing bill for violent crime cases
GRANT SCHULTE, Associated Press
FacebookTwitterEmail
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Nebraska lawmakers gave initial approval Friday to a bill that would allow police to collect DNA samples from people who are charged with but not yet convicted of violent crimes, despite objections that it would infringe on civil liberties.
Supporters likened the measure to police fingerprinting someone who was just arrested and said it could help solve cold cases.
But opponents railed against the proposal as a potential violation of constitutional search and seizure protections, although the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld similar laws. Lawmakers advanced the bill, 30-11, through the first of three mandatory votes after overcoming a legislative filibuster to try to block it.
by Christian Wade, The Center Square | April 28, 2021 04:00 PM Print this article
Maine lawmakers are considering a controversial proposal that seeks to punish media outlets for selectively reporting the news.
Under the proposal, titled the Stop Guilt by Accusation Act, news outlets would be required to remove mugshots from digital publications if the accused is acquitted. If news outlets cover a criminal court case but fail to report on a defendant s acquittal, the defendant could sue for damages of up to $10,000 from each media company.
The bill s sponsor, Rep. Heidi Sampson, R-Alfred, argues that news outlets cover arrests and trials of people who are accused of crimes but often fail to report on the outcome if the accused are proven innocent. She said those individuals are stigmatized for life by the news coverage of a crime they didn t commit.
State legislation now being considered would restore rights to Maine's Wabanaki people, giving them more control over their land and the welfare of their citizens, and is supported by a coalition that says the initiative would also have other benefits.
Lawmakers pledge aggressive action to address Maine s affordable housing, eviction crisis mainebeacon.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mainebeacon.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.