This bill directs the governor to limit civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and properties, unless required by federal law or specific state programs. It requires the creation of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, and schools on how to verify the authority of immigration officers and handle related interactions. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to file civil lawsuits against any law enforcement officer who violates specific federal statutes regarding immigration enforcement.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to get ICE out of families. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
SD 3643 (An Act to uncover ICE) prohibits Massachusetts' registrar from issuing confidential or undercover license plates to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers or agents for any purpose, including undercover operations. The bill directly affects ICE personnel operating in Massachusetts by banning the use of such plates for undercover work. Key provisions require revoking any existing confidential plates issued to ICE within 30 days of the law's effective date and preventing their renewal. This is a procedural change to vehicle registration rules, not a substantive immigration policy. (Bill pending referral to the Transportation committee.)
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to de-ICE Massachusetts law enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
This bill amends Massachusetts' emergency housing assistance program to require applicants to have resided in the Commonwealth for at least one year. It directly affects homeless families seeking emergency housing assistance by adding this residency requirement, which overrides existing laws or regulations. The key provision explicitly states that the program will only be available to residents meeting this one-year residency threshold. This change modifies eligibility criteria without altering other program details.
S 121 requires state agencies to verify applicants' Social Security Numbers (SSNs) against the Social Security Administration's real-time database when processing cash assistance applications. This strengthens current verification procedures by mandating immediate checks instead of relying on historical records. The bill applies to state programs providing cash assistance to individuals and families, including those supporting children, families, and people with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to prevent eligibility fraud and ensure benefits reach eligible recipients. The measure directly affects applicants seeking cash aid and the state agencies administering these programs.
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 is not a legislative bill but a gubernatorial communication proposing changes to the Emergency Assistance Shelter System. The Governor recommends modifying eligibility rules to ensure shelter benefits primarily serve Massachusetts residents, including requiring evictions to occur in Massachusetts, verifying residency through documentation (not self-attestation), and limiting "not meant for human habitation" housing eligibility to situations within the state. These changes aim to align the system with its original intent, address operational burdens, and improve fiscal sustainability for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposal would directly affect homeless families seeking shelter by tightening eligibility criteria.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1776) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to empower law enforcement to cooperate with the United States to transfer custody of convicted criminals. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to civil immigration detainers and state and local law cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
