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Committee hears push to beef up penalties and protections for correctional officers amid K2 exposure surge

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (Massachusetts House & Senate) · September 25, 2025
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Summary

Testimony supporting H 2702 described rising assaults on correctional staff and dangerous exposures to synthetic cannabinoids ('K2'). Witnesses urged stiffer penalties for assaults, medical and workers' compensation protections for exposed staff, and technology and operational changes to prevent contraband entering facilities.

Lawmakers heard extensive testimony on H 2702, a bill aimed at bolstering protections for correctional officers across Massachusetts.

Representative Soter opened the segment by citing Department of Correction disciplinary data showing 648 staff assaults in 2024, up from 620 in 2023, and described a range of violent incidents in facilities. He and union witnesses characterized synthetic cannabinoids (commonly called "K2") as a…

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