Senate Passes CORI Reform
BOSTON/Beacon Hill - In the last hours of the 2009 legislative session, the Massachusetts State Senate voted to pass “An Act Relative to Sentencing Laws.” The omnibus criminal justice bill included comprehensive CORI reforms sought by a broad statewide network organized as the Commonwealth CORI Coalition (CCC). CCC is led by the Boston Workers’ Alliance, Neighbor to Neighbor MA, Ex-prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement (EPOCA), Massachusetts Community Action Network, American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association of Social Workers.
The Senate bill adopted core elements of overlapping proposals from Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino, and Representative Malia–Senator Chandler for the Commonwealth CORI Coalition.
CORI reforms moved to reduce lengthy waiting periods to seal old records, and to move the criminal history question from initial job applications to the end of a hiring process. The bill also prevents the distribution of cases that were charged but dismissed or found not guilty.
In line with Governor's proposal, the bill also updates the CORI to an online system as a more accessible and accurate alternative to for-profit internet companies. The Senate bill also prohibits individuals convicted of murder, manslaughter or felony sex offenses from sealing their records.
In addition to reforming criminal records laws, the 30-page package expands a 9 month minimum parole requirement to all returning state prisoners, while allowing non-violent drug offenders to gain parole eligibility after 2/3rds served of a mandatory minimum sentence.
The most vocal opposition from Republican Senator Tarr focused on the overly broad scope of the bill. Tarr expressed support for CORI reform but opposed the procedural additions and content of sentencing and parole provisions. But with a strong 26-12 majority margin, the focus shifts back to the House where Speaker DeLeo has signaled intentions to take up CORI reform as a first priority in the 2010 session.
The successful vote represents a major milestone for community organizations that have long campaigned for needed changes. Once an obscure social problem, CORI reform seems to have gained consensus support. For Boston, endorsers include Mayor Menino and every City Councilor, Police Commissioner Davis, Suffolk County Sheriff Cabral and Suffolk County District Attorney Conley.
Aaron Tanaka is Director of the Boston Workers Alliance
