By Representatives Sousa of Framingham and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2176) of Priscila S. Sousa and Manny Cruz relative to employer disclosure of immigration status to conceal violation of state wage, benefit, or tax laws. Labor and Workforce Development.
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.
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.
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.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 260) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities conduct a study on the state of immigrant and refugee resettlement infrastructure in the Commonwealth. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2580) of Manny Cruz, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to local and state law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
H 4115 would prohibit state and local agencies from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities and guarantee legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings. The bill directly affects immigrants in Massachusetts facing immigration enforcement and state agencies handling their cases. Key provisions include banning the disclosure of immigration status during routine interactions and requiring that legal representation be made available during immigration hearings. This legislation specifies concrete changes to reporting practices and access to legal assistance for affected individuals.
S 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.
S 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.
This bill requires immigration enforcement officers to allow legal counsel during interviews with immigrants. It directly affects non-citizens facing immigration enforcement actions, such as detentions or removal proceedings. The key provision mandates that individuals must have the option to consult with an attorney before answering questions during such investigations.
