SD 713, titled "An Act encouraging employer integrity in hiring," prohibits Massachusetts employers from knowingly falsifying employment or citizenship documents for non-citizen workers. It directly affects employers who hire immigrants, imposing penalties for violations: first offenses carry up to $1,000 fines or 30 days in jail, while repeat offenses increase fines ($1,000-$2,500 for second offense, $2,500-$5,000 for third) and jail terms (up to 3 months or 6 months minimum). The bill escalates punishments based on prior convictions for similar offenses in Massachusetts or elsewhere. This law aims to deter document fraud in hiring practices without specifying broader immigration policy changes.
This bill strengthens data privacy for Massachusetts state systems by clarifying which activities qualify as "criminal justice duties" and restricting data sharing. It prohibits state agencies from sharing motor vehicle records with federal agencies for civil immigration enforcement, except when a valid warrant is presented. The bill also blocks access to criminal offender records for non-criminal justice purposes, like civil enforcement, and requires federal agencies to certify their use of such data solely for criminal justice. These provisions directly affect state agencies managing data (like the motor vehicle registry) and federal entities seeking access to state databases.
HD 1873, "An Act protecting Massachusetts workers," requires most Massachusetts employers to verify new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify program. It directly affects employers (including businesses with state licenses, governments, and self-employed individuals) who hire employees, excluding independent contractors. Key provisions mandate verification after hiring, prohibit intentional hiring of unauthorized workers, create a simplified complaint process for violations (without requiring social security numbers), and direct investigations to the Attorney General or district attorneys. The bill also requires federal verification of immigration status (not state determination) and establishes penalties for false complaints. It applies to violations occurring on or after January 1, 2022.
This bill increases tax credits for low-income families with children by boosting the credit percentage by 5 percentage points for each qualifying child beyond three. It allows families without a Social Security Number to claim the credit using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and creates a new $600 credit per qualifying dependent (including elderly or disabled relatives). The changes apply to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and require the state to provide multilingual outreach about tax credits through websites, employers, and social service programs. The bill directly affects families meeting federal eligibility rules for tax credits but facing barriers like lacking an SSN or needing assistance navigating the system.
This bill requires Massachusetts sheriffs, correctional facilities, and local law enforcement agencies to only perform federal immigration enforcement activities (under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) if the federal government covers all costs, including employee compensation. It mandates that these entities maintain public records of such activities and submit annual reports to specific legislative committees, including the committees on ways and means and public safety. The law also defines key terms like "agreement" and "law enforcement agency" to clarify which state and local entities must comply.
This bill creates a new Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office to ensure equal access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing residents. The OAO, led by a governor-appointed deputy chief, will develop policies to advance non-discrimination in state employment, procurement, and services, and require all state agencies to create language access plans. These plans must outline how agencies will provide oral interpretation, translation, and auxiliary services to ensure LEP and deaf/hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state programs. The bill directly affects state agencies and the public they serve, mandating concrete steps to remove language barriers in government services.
This bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement officers (like police, sheriffs, and state troopers) to temporarily hold non-citizens who meet specific criteria for up to 12 hours to transfer them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It directly affects individuals convicted of certain serious crimes - such as domestic violence, drug trafficking, gang-related offenses, or violent felonies - as defined in the bill. Key provisions require ICE to provide a written request and warrant, a supervisory officer to verify public safety threats based on listed criteria, and a court to review the detention within 12 hours. The bill explicitly prohibits holding individuals for immigration purposes without these safeguards and ensures court records remain public.
This bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding immigration cooperation and emergency housing assistance. For public safety, it requires state/local law enforcement to detain certain individuals for up to 12 hours (with judicial review within that timeframe) when ICE requests custody for non-citizens convicted of specific serious offenses like terrorism, gang activity, or violent crimes. For emergency housing, it restricts eligibility to U.S. citizens or immigrants with 12 consecutive months of continuous Massachusetts residency, requiring specific documentation (e.g., tax returns, driver's license, utility bills) and prohibiting fraudulent applications. These changes directly affect immigrants seeking housing assistance and law enforcement agencies handling ICE requests.
By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 973) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to prohibit any financial incentives for landlords providing emergency housing for nonresident migrants. Housing.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 117) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael J. Barrett and John F. Keenan for legislation to establish basic needs assistance for Massachusetts immigrant residents. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
