S 2975 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act protecting access to justice

Summary

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2975) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards, Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect access to justice. The Judiciary.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action May 14, 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

7

Key actions

2

Committee

3

May 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

House concurred

lower

Jan 27, 2026

Committee

Referred to the committee on The Judiciary

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Committee

Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently

upper

1 primary · 23 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role

Legislator

Party

State

District

Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex

Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol

Christine Barber

Middlesex and Worcester

Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester

Norfolk and Plymouth

Cape and Islands