Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, today released the following statement in response to Governor Baker signing into law the long-anticipated criminal justice reform package:

“We are thrilled that the Governor seized another opportunity for Massachusetts to lead the nation by today signing into law this landmark criminal justice reform. Our leaders – those in the House, the Senate, the Judiciary Committee, and the Conference Committee – deserve real credit for making criminal justice reform a priority this legislative session. After years of hard work by Massachusetts leaders and advocates alike, this new law is a monumental achievement and a critical step toward a fairer and more equal Massachusetts. In every legislative session, we will remain committed to working together for stronger reforms, to reinvest in public health and human needs, end our reliance on incarceration, and eliminate racial disparities in the system.”