Civil Rights
194th General Court (2025-2026)
An Act Promoting the Civil Rights and Inclusion of American Muslims in the Commonwealth
This bill would establish a Massachusetts state commission aimed at studying issues affecting American Muslim communities in the Commonwealth.
An Act to Protect the Civil Rights and Safety of All Massachusetts Residents (Safe Communities Act)
The new federal administration will use every tool available to deport members of our immigrant communities, including our police and courts. This misuse of public safety resources drives a wedge between immigrant communities and the public institutions that protect and serve them. That’s why the Safe Communities Act has earned the support of police chiefs and district attorneys across the state. The Safe Communities Act would limit the participation of our police, courts and correctional personnel in civil immigration enforcement, so that immigrant state residents can seek help and protection from our police and courts without fear of immigration consequences.
An Act Relative to Civil Remedies for Sexual Assault by an Officer
Provides a victim of sexual assault by a law enforcement officer the right to file a civil rights claim under Section 11I of Chapter 12, the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act. Such an action enables a person to vindicate their rights in court and seek relief including money damages.
An Act Protecting the Privacy of Library User Data
The public should be able to access library resources freely and without fear of government censorship or surveillance. Library records contain sensitive personal information about users, including the books patrons read, the libraries they visit, and more, but our current statutes fall short of protecting patrons’ privacy. This bill protects from disclosure records that reveal the identity and intellectual pursuits of a user, except pursuant to a warrant or in exigent circumstances.
An Act to Protect Vulnerable Elders from Abuse
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has authority to investigate elder abuse if the elder resides in the community. It does not have the authority to investigate elder abuse in DDS group homes, inpatient behavioral healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, and other custodial settings. This bill fills in that gap in the law to expand EOEA's authority.
An Act Extending Voting Rights in Municipal Elections to Non-Citizen Voters of the Commonwealth
Establishes a state framework to address gaps in the current federal Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system which investigates abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and provides advocacy for the civil and human rights of persons with disabilities. It requires that DDS, DMH and DPH submit death reports on a quarterly basis to the Disability Law Center and that DMH share information regarding individuals in state facilities who are discharge ready. The bill would expand investigative reach to include all spaces where the health and safety of residents may be impacted by persons receiving services. Eighteen other states have created parallel state P&A systems.
An Act Establishing a Designation of a State Protection and Advocacy System
Establishes a state framework to address gaps in the current federal Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system which investigates abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and provides advocacy for the civil and human rights of persons with disabilities. It requires that DDS, DMH and DPH submit death reports on a quarterly basis to the Disability Law Center and that DMH share information regarding individuals in state facilities who are discharge ready. The bill would expand investigative reach to include all spaces where the health and safety of residents may be impacted by persons receiving services. Eighteen other states have created parallel state P&A systems.
An Act Relative to Rape By an Officer
Under Section 22 of Chapter 265, it is unlawful for a law enforcement officer to have sex with a person in their “custody or control.” However, “control” is not defined in the statute, making it difficult for prosecutors to hold officers accountable when they abuse their power and authority. This bill defines “control” to include supervision of a minor in a training program; questioning, investigating, or detaining a person; communicating the power to arrest a person; or exercising coercion over a person when acting under color of law.
An Act designating January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Massachusetts
Fred T. Korematsu was a civil rights hero who boldly challenged the unlawful internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This legislation would ensure that January 30th is permanently recognized as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution here in the Commonwealth. This bill is a vital step in commemorating his important legacy, recognizing the invaluable role of AAPI communities in our nation’s history, and inspiring Massachusetts residents to fight against injustice and discrimination of all kinds.