S 1248 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act codifying organizational standing to protect and promote civil rights

This bill (S 1248) would codify the legal standing of public interest organizations to sue in court to protect civil rights. It directly affects civil rights groups, courts, and potentially the individuals whose rights are being defended. The key provision would formally establish that these organizations can bring lawsuits without needing to prove direct harm to themselves, streamlining legal challenges to civil rights violations. Sponsored by Senator Rebecca Rausch and referred to the Judiciary Committee, it aims to clarify and strengthen organizational access to courts for civil rights enforcement.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors