Governor Baker Releases Statement on the Safe Communities Act

Governor Baker Releases Statement on the Safe Communities Act

BOSTON – Governor Baker today released a statement on the “Safe Communities Act” (S 1305/H 3269), currently before the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security:

“The safety and security of our communities is a top priority for our administration, and I oppose this bill that would prohibit law enforcement from enforcing bipartisan policies that have been in place for 10 years and prevented violent and dangerous convicted criminals from being released back onto our streets.  This legislation would also prevent the Massachusetts State Police from upholding our policy to detain individuals for federal authorities that have been convicted of heinous crimes, like murder and rape, and weakens current public safety measures that are designed to keep us safer.  Our administration does not support making the Commonwealth a sanctuary state and urges the Legislature to hold this bill in committee and reconsider ways to ensure Massachusetts remains a welcoming place while maintaining public safety."