S1282 (2026): Release Revocation After New Firearm or Violent Offenses

Senate Bill 1282 would add Section 58C to Chapter 276 and require release revocation and detention in specified cases involving a new firearm offense or violent crime.^[1] The filed bill does not create an enhanced sentence or a new mandatory minimum for the underlying conviction.

Covered Release Violations

The bill addresses three combinations. It applies when a person charged with a violent crime commits a qualifying firearm offense while on release, when a person charged with a qualifying firearm offense commits a violent crime while on release, and when a person charged with a qualifying firearm offense commits another qualifying firearm offense while on release.

Required Finding

A judicial officer would first hold a hearing. Revocation and detention would follow only after a determination by clear and convincing evidence that the person violated a release condition by committing the later covered offense. The bill then directs the judicial officer to deem the person a danger to the community.

Detention Time

A person detained under the proposed section must be brought to trial as soon as reasonably possible. Without good cause and excluding delay defined by Massachusetts Rule of Criminal Procedure 36(b)(2), detention may not exceed 120 days in District Court or 180 days in Superior Court.

Status

The Senate reported S1282 favorably on May 14, 2026 and referred it to Senate Ways and Means.^[2] It remains a bill unless enacted and signed.