Massachusetts Bills

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2057: An Act ensuring the safety and dignity of first responders (Halo Act)

HD 465 (Halo Act) protects first responders by making it illegal to interfere with their work during emergencies. The bill defines "first responder" broadly to include police, firefighters, EMTs (paid, volunteer, or reserve), and others providing emergency assistance. It prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after they've given a verbal warning not to approach, if the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them, or cause distress. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $5,000 or one year in jail for repeat offenses.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1820: An Act providing increased protections from harassment and discrimination on the basis of height

This bill would expand anti-discrimination protections to specifically prohibit harassment and discrimination based on height in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects individuals who face treatment due to their height, including those who are shorter or taller than average. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee and aims to add height as a protected characteristic under existing state anti-discrimination laws.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1995: An Act regularizing sentencing for hate crimes

H 1995, "An Act regularizing sentencing for hate crimes," proposes standardized sentencing guidelines for hate crimes in Massachusetts. The bill requires courts to apply specific, consistent sentencing parameters when a crime is determined to be motivated by bias against protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation. This directly affects judges who impose sentences, prosecutors who charge hate crimes, and defendants convicted of such offenses by eliminating inconsistent penalties. The bill aims to ensure that sentencing for hate crimes reflects the severity of bias-motivated acts through clear, uniform rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1973: An Act protecting personal security

H 1973, titled "An Act protecting personal security," is a bill concerning name change procedures in Massachusetts. Sponsored by Representatives Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Jack Patrick Lewis, and Samantha Montaño, it is referred to the Judiciary committee. The bill would directly affect residents seeking to legally change their names by potentially modifying the associated process. The provided abstract does not specify the exact changes to name change requirements or mechanisms.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1919: An Act prohibiting body size discrimination

H 1919, titled "An Act prohibiting body size discrimination," would make it illegal for employers, housing providers, and public accommodations to discriminate against individuals based on their body size (such as weight or body mass). The bill would directly affect businesses, landlords, and service providers by requiring them to avoid discriminatory practices and establish complaint procedures for affected individuals. It would create a legal framework for individuals to seek remedies if they experience such discrimination. Sponsored by Representatives Tram T. Nguyen and Rebecca L. Rausch, the bill is under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1980: An Act to promote the health and safety of people in the sex trade

This bill (H 1980) would automatically remove certain past convictions related to prostitution and marijuana offenses from public criminal records. It directly affects individuals who were convicted of these specific offenses before Massachusetts laws changed to decriminalize or reduce penalties for them. The key mechanism is a streamlined process to expunge these records without requiring individuals to file separate requests. This change aims to improve access to housing, employment, and other opportunities by eliminating barriers linked to outdated convictions. The bill focuses on concrete record-removal, not altering current criminal laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1753: An Act establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts

This bill establishes a special commission to study the issue of reparations for descendants of enslaved people in Massachusetts. It would create a 15-member commission appointed by the governor and legislature to research the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery and systemic racism in the state. The commission would examine potential reparative measures and submit a final report with recommendations to the legislature by 2025. The bill does not implement any reparations program itself, only authorizes a study of the topic for Massachusetts residents.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1981: An Act relative to the right to wear personal protective medical equipment

H 1981 would prohibit discrimination against individuals who wear necessary medical protective equipment, such as masks or gloves, for health reasons. It requires businesses, employers, and public accommodations to provide equal access without denying services based solely on the use of such equipment. The bill directly affects people with medical conditions requiring protective gear, including those with respiratory illnesses or allergies. This legislation aims to ensure individuals are not treated unfairly for using medically necessary protective equipment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1922: An Act relative to fair investment

This bill creates new requirements for professional investors (like venture capital firms, private equity firms, and investment banks) operating in Massachusetts. It mandates they adopt written policies and procedures to increase funding for historically disadvantaged groups sharing protected characteristics (such as race, gender identity, or sexual orientation), and conduct public self-evaluations every three years assessing progress. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Chapter 93A, allowing the Attorney General to seek damages or injunctions. The law focuses on process and transparency, not specific funding quotas, requiring investors to document their efforts toward equitable investment.

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1683: An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

H 1683 (An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors) creates new services and legal support for individuals who have experienced the sex trade. The bill directly affects survivors by establishing trauma-informed assistance programs and expanding access to legal aid for those navigating criminal justice involvement related to their survival. Key provisions include mandatory training for law enforcement on survivor-centered approaches and funding for community-based organizations providing housing, counseling, and advocacy. The legislation aims to improve safety and outcomes for survivors through concrete, service-focused policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1889: An Act to eliminate disparate impact

HD 3194 prohibits Massachusetts government units (like cities, counties, and agencies) from implementing policies that unintentionally disadvantage protected groups (such as racial or ethnic minorities). It requires governments to prove such policies have a "substantial legitimate justification" if challenged, shifting the burden of proof from affected individuals to the government. Affected people can sue for damages, court costs, and attorney fees if harmed by these policies, with claims needing to be filed within three years. The law aims to address both unintentional and intentional discrimination in public policies through accessible legal remedies.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1804: An Act relative to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and emergency assistance

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Housing ✗ Immigration

Bill results