State Information Wiki

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

Massachusetts’s registry laws are codified at Part I, Title II, Chapter 6, Sections 178C through 178Q.

Massachusetts Laws Regarding Registration

Does anyone remain privately registered? If so, who?

All Level 1 are private. Level 2 is private if classified before July 12, 2013.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/levels-of-sex-offenders

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, 178Q

Are there special restrictions even after supervision ends?

GPS certain probationers 265-47
Ice cream truck vending 265-48
GPS homeless 178F 3/4
Yearly fee 178Q

Is there a process for removal from the registry?

178G

May request reclassification 178L(3)

What are the registration requirements for someone who is visiting the state?

No specific statement regarding those visiting the state, but does have a requirement for registering “secondary addresses,” defined as “a place of residence for 14 or more aggregate days in a calendar year, or a place routinely resided in for 4 or more consecutive days per month.” 178C

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/who-has-to-register-as-a-sex-offender

What are the registration requirements for someone who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?

178E(g)

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

265-49 – 265-52; ff, click next
265-22 - 265-24A; ff, click next

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

265-45

However, a 2014 court decision, Commonwealth v. Cole , has impacted this law.

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

No.

What are the general rules and regulations about probation, parole, and conditional release? Note: county supervision conditions may differ from county to county and from the state level.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/parole-supervision-manual-0/download

What are the state civil commitment laws?

123A - 13

However, two court decisions have impacted this law. See WAYNE CHAPMAN, petitioner. 482 Mass. 293 regarding petitioning for release, and COMMONWEALTH vs. JOSEPH BLAKE.454 Mass. 267 regarding how quickly a judge must rule on commitment cases.