Immigration

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1717: An Act to study the role of resettlement agencies in the successful integration of new arrivals in the Commonwealth

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 143) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to study the role of resettlement agencies in the successful integration of new arrivals in the Commonwealth. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill studies resettlement agencies' role in immigrant integration, supporting service enhancement without direct funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Refugees & Asylum

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 369: An Act extending voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizen voters of the commonwealth

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 512) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to extend voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizen voters of the commonwealth. Election Laws.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationExtends voting rights to noncitizens, advancing immigrant civic integration and rights at municipal level.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2057: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1127) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings by creating the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to ensure equitable legal representation in immigration proceedings, directly advancing immigrant rights access and protections.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1208: An Act relative to affirming and maintaining equal access to public education for all children

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 436) of Pavel M. Payano, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, Vanna Howard and others for legislation to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for English learners. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly affirms equal access to public education for English learners, directly supporting educational access expansion without restrictions or funding cuts.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEnsures equal education access for English learners, a key service benefiting immigrant children and aligning with immigrant integration support.75% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1670: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly aims to protect civil rights, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like enhanced police accountability and civil rights protection.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill protects civil rights/safety of 'all Massachusetts residents,' implying inclusion of immigrants. Focus on civil rights aligns with indicators for supporting immigrant protections without explicit enforcement restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3816: An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents

HD 3816, the "Safe Communities Act," prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from asking about immigration status during routine interactions (except when legally required) and restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It requires written consent with clear explanations in multiple languages before DHS interviews of people in custody, and bans automatic notifications to DHS about individuals' release from custody (except for end-of-sentence releases). The law also prohibits police from acting as immigration officers under federal agreements and mandates training for law enforcement on these provisions. These changes directly affect all Massachusetts residents, especially immigrant communities, and apply to state/local police, sheriffs, and correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by restricting immigration inquiries during law enforcement interactions and banning automatic DHS notifications, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing over-policing and enhancing community safety.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits law enforcement from asking about immigration status and restricts cooperation with federal enforcement, protecting immigrant rights and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 629: An Act relative to sanctuary policies in the commonwealth

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1675) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to further define sanctuary policies in the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill defines sanctuary policies, which limit state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aligning with protective immigration policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3596: An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements

This bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits state law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, protecting civil rights and reducing overreach in criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state agencies from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, limiting state involvement in detaining immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4072: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

This bill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for eligible immigrants facing deportation. It directly affects income-eligible individuals in Massachusetts who lack legal counsel during immigration court proceedings (including detention, expedited removals, or appeals), defined as those with household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. Key mechanisms include funding competitive grants to legal providers, establishing a statewide "Coordinator" nonprofit to manage referrals and culturally responsive services, and requiring free representation starting before the first court appearance. The fund will cover legal costs, filings, interpretation, and case management for detained individuals and those at immediate risk of deportation.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly protecting immigrant rights in immigration proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 2967: An Act enabling cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain noncitizens of the Commonwealth

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 866) of David M. Rogers for legislation to enable cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain non-citizens of the Commonwealth. Election Laws.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationExtends municipal voting rights to noncitizens, promoting immigrant integration and community participation per bill's explicit purpose.85% confidence

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