This bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.
This bill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for eligible immigrants facing deportation. It directly affects income-eligible individuals in Massachusetts who lack legal counsel during immigration court proceedings (including detention, expedited removals, or appeals), defined as those with household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. Key mechanisms include funding competitive grants to legal providers, establishing a statewide "Coordinator" nonprofit to manage referrals and culturally responsive services, and requiring free representation starting before the first court appearance. The fund will cover legal costs, filings, interpretation, and case management for detained individuals and those at immediate risk of deportation.
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 866) of David M. Rogers for legislation to enable cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain non-citizens of the Commonwealth. Election Laws.
This bill allows non-citizen residents of Somerville who meet all other voter eligibility requirements (like residency) to register and vote in local elections and ballot questions. It creates a separate voter registration list managed by Somerville's election board, requiring a special form and a sworn declaration of residency. Non-citizens voting under this law can only participate in city-level elections (e.g., mayor, city council, local ballot measures), not state or federal elections. The city must cover costs for the special registration forms and separate ballots if local questions appear on state election ballots, while maintaining clear separation from state voter lists.
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 866) of David M. Rogers for legislation to enable cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain non-citizens of the Commonwealth. Election Laws.
By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 810) of Mike Connolly relative to extending voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizen voters. Election Laws.
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 855) of Samantha Montaño relative to extending voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizens. Election Laws.
This bill would allow the town of Amherst to grant voting rights in local elections to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) living within its borders. It directly affects non-citizen residents who are legally authorized to live in the U.S. but cannot vote in state or federal elections. The key mechanism is authorizing Amherst to adopt a local ordinance, subject to approval by its town council, to extend these voting rights for municipal elections. The bill does not change state or federal voting laws but permits the town to determine local election eligibility.
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.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 436) of Pavel M. Payano, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, Vanna Howard and others for legislation to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for English learners. Education.
