By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Garcia of Chelsea, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas, Judith A. Garcia and others for legislation to further regulate state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Garcia of Chelsea, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas, Judith A. Garcia and others for legislation to further regulate state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
HD 310 allows certain license applicants to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another approved identity document instead of a Social Security number. It directly affects individuals seeking occupational licenses under the Division of Occupational Licensure (e.g., for trades, cosmetology) or the Department of Public Health (e.g., healthcare professions). The bill amends two sections of the General Laws to remove the mandatory Social Security number requirement for these applications. Licensing boards will determine acceptable alternative identity documents, making the process more accessible for applicants without Social Security numbers.
HD 765 would allow noncitizens with legal immigration status (18+ years old) to vote in local municipal elections, such as for mayor, school committees, or town council. To register, noncitizens must submit a special form declaring residency, and election officials must notify them within 5 days about their voting rights (limited to local elections) and limitations (no voting for federal/state offices or initiatives). The bill requires the state secretary to issue this registration form and regulations, distributing it like citizen forms, and noncitizens must maintain residency in one municipality to retain voting rights. It explicitly prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal, state, or initiative elections.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand eligibility for state ID cards. It allows applicants without proof of lawful presence (including those ineligible for a Social Security number) to obtain a Massachusetts ID card if they meet other requirements and provide proof of identity, birthdate, and residency. The law prohibits the state from asking about or recording citizenship or immigration status during application processing, and requires all ID cards to meet federal REAL ID standards. This directly affects immigrants and others without proof of lawful presence who previously could not obtain standard state IDs.
This bill allows noncitizens with legal immigration status (18+ years old) to vote in local municipal elections, including for mayor, school committees, and town council positions. It requires a separate registration form and notifies voters about their limited rights - noncitizens may vote only in local elections, not for federal or state offices, and voting in federal elections could risk citizenship applications. Municipal officials must add eligible noncitizens to a special voter list within 5 days of registration, and noncitizens must maintain residency in one municipality to retain voting rights. The bill does not affect federal or state voting eligibility.
This bill allows Massachusetts residents without proof of lawful immigration status (including those ineligible for a Social Security number) to obtain a standard state ID card if they provide other required documentation, such as proof of identity, age, and Massachusetts residency. It prohibits DMV staff from asking about or recording an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status when processing these IDs or vehicle registrations. The law also protects applicants’ personal information from public disclosure, except as required by federal law. This directly affects immigrants without work permits or Social Security numbers who previously could not obtain a standard state ID.
HD 3153 protects transportation network drivers' (like Uber or Lyft drivers) personal data by making their records confidential and non-public. It requires companies to share only necessary driver data with driver organizations during bargaining, while mandating strong security measures like encryption and access controls. The law explicitly prohibits sharing driver data with immigration enforcement agencies without a court order. The state board must create detailed regulations by 2025 covering data minimization, breach protocols, and driver consent options.
This bill (HD 3853) authorizes Massachusetts to create a pilot program under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. It establishes a "State Immigration Processing & Waiver Office" to develop a database for legal visitors and residents, and explore Employer Sponsorship Agreements (ESAs) where Massachusetts employers can sponsor credentialed non-citizen workers. The pilot also aims to coordinate with federal authorities on potentially allowing state law enforcement to screen certain employable non-citizens, with possible federal reimbursement. The bill directly affects Massachusetts employers needing qualified workers and non-citizen residents seeking clearer immigration pathways within the state.
This bill restricts Massachusetts state agencies from sharing certain data with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles from disclosing driver's license information for immigration enforcement (except with a warrant), bans using criminal records for non-criminal justice purposes like immigration checks, and requires written consent for immigration interviews of people in state custody. The law mandates uniform consent forms explaining interview rights in multiple languages and prohibits law enforcement from asking victims, witnesses, or their families about immigration status unless required by law. These provisions directly affect immigrants interacting with Massachusetts state systems, including those in custody or seeking court services.
