Endorsed Legislation

With 70+ bills, Mass NOW’s largest and most intersectional legislative agenda has come to an end alongside the 193rd Legislative Session. It represented a multi-pronged strategy needed to achieve a feminist democracy in the Commonwealth. Though the formal legislative session has ended, there is still a chance for legislation to pass during the informal session. However, a bill can die on the floor more easily - with just 1 no vote - so it is more difficult for bills to be passed.

As of August 26th, 5 of our endorsed legislations passed both chambers and went to Governor Healey: (1) an Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation, (2) An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency, (3) Massachusetts Parentage Act, and (4) an Act Promoting Access to Midwifery Care and Out-of-Hospital Birth Options which was combined with (5) An Act relative to postpartum depression screening.

Additionally, 3 bills we endorsed were included in one of Massachusetts’s budgets: (1) An Act Relative to Hormonal Contraceptives (FY24), (2) An Act Establishing the Women's Veterans Network (FY24), and (3) An Act Relative to Gender Identity on MA Identification (FY25)

Endorsed

Legislation

End of Formal Legislative Session Update

May ‘24 Legislative Update

February ‘24 Legislative Update

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Reproductive Justice

Bill #
S. 2491
Sponsors
Rep. Livingstone
Rep. Barber
Sen. Jehlen
Summary
Increase Access to Menstrual products in k-12 schools, incarceration facilities, and shelters.
Status
Senate Passed to Be Engrossed 10/26/23; needs to be brought to a vote in House Ways and Means.
As of 8/1/24
Bill
H.544
S.2694
Sponsors
Rep. O’Day
Rep. Howard
Sen. DiDomenico
Summary
Ensure all sex education curricula taught in Massachusetts public schools meet comprehensive standards.
Status
Senate Passed to be Engrossed 3/6/24; needs to be brought to a vote in House Ways and Means.
As of 8/1/24
Bill
H.4785
Sponsors
Rep. Khan
Rep. Oakley
Sen. Rausch
Summary
Expanding licensing for midwives.
Status
Signed by the Governor on 8/26!
Bill
S. 2480
Sponsors
Sen. Cyr
Summary
Legislation to enable pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer PrEP.
Status
Senate Passed to Be Engrossed 10/26/23; referred to House Ways and Means 10/30/23.
As of 8/1/24
Bill
H. 563
Sponsors
Rep. Roy
Summary
Requires free disposable menstrual products in public schools from sixth grade through twelfth grade.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
Third Reading ordered 3/18/24.
As of 8/1/24
Bill
H. 4267
Sponsors
Rep. Domb
Summary
Requiring menstrual products in all bathrooms of buildings on public higher education campuses at no cost.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Higher Education and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 1/22/24.
As of 8/1/24
Bill
H. 3018
Sponsors
Rep. Domb
Summary
Legislation to require menstrual products in all state buildings.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 10/30/23.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.4278
S.1201
Sponsors
Rep. Sabadosa
Sen. Lovely
Summary
Includes pregnancy loss as a qualifying event to use earned sick time. This includes failed IVF, failed adoption, and miscarriage.
Status
H.4278 reported favorably by the committee on Labor and Workforce Development and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 1/25/24.
S.1201 reported favorably by the committee on Labor and Workforce Development and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 11/23/23.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 4293
Sponsors
Rep. Domb
Rep. Ferguson
Sen. Comerford
Summary
Requires informed and explicit consent for pelvic, prostate, and rectal exams on anesthetized or otherwise unconscious patients.
Status
The committee on Health Care Financing recommended the bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 4/18/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S.2734
Sponsor
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Birthing justice in the commonwealth, especially for Black women and other women of color.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Public Health and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/22/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.2163 & S. 1375 added to H.4785 (the Midwife Bill)
Sponsors
Rep. Fiola
Sen. Friedman
Summary
Requires MassHealth to cover postpartum depression screening for 12 months after birth.
Status
Added to the “Momnibus” bill - H.4785 - and signed by the Governor on 8/26!
Bill
H. 2133
S. 1430
Sponsors
Rep. Barber
Rep. Sabadosa
Rep. Moore
Summary
Allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.
Status
Passed as part of the FY24 Budget
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 145
Sponsors
Sen. Comerford
Rep. Blais
Summary
Requires manufacturers of menstrual products to disclose the ingredients of products sold and distributed.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Public Health and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 9/28/23.
As of 8/2/24

Racial Justice

Bill
H. 1710
S. 942 → Amendment #474 on S.2856
Explanation of Bill # in Status
Sponsors
Rep. O’Day
Rep. Cruz
Sen. Crighton
Summary
Raise the age to include 18-20 year olds in the juvenile justice system.
Status
The Senate wrote an amendment on S.2856, amendment #474 by Sen. Crighton, that has raise the age language and attached it to the economic development bill H.4804. The House had already passed H.4804 so now there is a conference committee, appointed 7/18/24, to negotiate the differences (including the Raise the Age amendment).
There is a press release regarding the Senate passing the amendment here.
As of 8/2/24
Bill #
H. 565
Sponsors
Rep. Sabadosa
Summary
Gets SROs out of schools.
Status
Reported favorably out of the Education Committee and sent to the House Rules Committee 5/28/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 2288
S. 1510
Sponsors
Rep. Balser
Rep. Cruz
Sen. Eldridge
Summary
Ensure court and police officials do not inquire about immigration status unless required by law.
Status
H.2288 reported favorably by the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; sent to House Ways and Means 5/15/24.
S.1510 reporting date extended to Wednesday May 8, 2024 (passed; no action).
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1802 → H.4517
S. 931 → S.2612
Sponsors
Rep. Vargas
Sen. Stone Creem
Summary
Collect accurate and comprehensive data on juvenile interaction with law enforcement.
Status
H.4517 reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary; referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules 6/5/24.
S.2612 reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary; referred to the committee on Joint Rules 2/12/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1796 → H.4517
S. 1494 → S.2773
Sponsors
Rep. Tyler
Sen. Creem
Summary
These bills would make phone calls free of charge to the person placing or the person receiving the call; they would apply to state prisons, county jails, and state juvenile detention centers.
Status
H.4517 reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary; referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to House Rules committee 6/5/24.
S.2773 reported favorably by the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 6/6/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 2264 & S. 1407 → S.2733
Sponsors
Rep. Sabadosa
Rep. Mark
Summary
Crate unarmed community based crisis response mechanisms to assist individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health emergencies.
Status
Reported favorably by the committee on Health Care Financing; discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 4/25/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1362
S. 878
Sponsors
Rep. Montaño
Sen. Gomez
Summary
Provide for programs, policies, guidelines, priorities and preferences for the housing of formerly incarcerated persons reentering communities.
Status
Referred to the committee on Housing
Committee
Housing
Bill
H. 3913
Sponsor
Rep. Williams
Summary
Establish an executive office for missing and murdered Black women and girls and create policies and alert systems.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 6/17/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.1795 → H.4517
S.2821
Sponsors
Rep. Tyler
Sen. Comerford
Summary
Impose a five-year moratorium on prison and jail expansions or constructions.
Status
H.4517: order reported favorably by committee on the Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to House Rules 6/5/24.
S.2821 reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 6/21/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 724
S. 428
Sponsors
Rep. Uyterhoeven
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Restores voting rights to incarcerated felons.
Status
H.724: Reporting date extended to 5/28/24 (passed with no action).
S.428: Reporting date extended to 5/28/24 (passed with no action).
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 1976 → H.2989
Sponsors
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Establishes an Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling 6/24/24.
On 7/29/24, it was placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting (under the last sentence of Rule 7A) for a second reading. No update since then.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 1545 → S.2876
Sponsors
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Establish an anti-racism division of the office of inspector general called the Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-racism, and Equity Unit.
Create a Community Council with nomination authority.
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently - 7/19/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.4400
S.2663
Sponsors
Rep. Ultrino
Rep. Meschino
Sen. Jehlen
Summary
Requires that alternatives to suspension/expulsion must be implemented before any suspension/expulsion related to school code of conduct violations.
Status
H.4400 reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 2/20/24.
S.2663 reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 3/21/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 536 → H.4519
S. 318 → S.2709
Sponsors
Rep. Montaño
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Proposing a permanent commission towards improving educational outcomes and opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native students. Broader impacts of the commission are the promotion of tribal self-determination by providing students with the opportunity to learn their heritage, languages and histories while preparing them for higher education.
Status
H.4519 reported favorably by the committee on education and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 4/8/24.
S.2709 reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/1/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 245
Sponsors
Rep. Oakley
Sen. Comerford
Summary
Prohibit the use of Native American mascots by any public schools in the Commonwealth.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 3/28/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 529 → H.4519
S. 344 → S.2709
Sponsors
Rep. Lewis
Sen. Rausch
Summary
This bill addresses the lack of Indigenous curriculum in Massachusetts public schools.The goal is to develop a curriculum by working with tribal nations in-state and ensure that all children in the schools attain cultural competency in understanding Native history, cultures and current issues.
Status
H.4519 reported favorably by the committee on education and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 4/8/24.
S.2709 reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/1/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 3248
Sponsors
Rep. Rogers
Rep. Biele
Sen. Collins
Summary
This would ensure that Native American funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony (those of cultural, traditional or historical importance to their heritage) held in governmental, municipal or non-profit collections are not sold for profit.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling 2/12/24.
3rd Reading ordered 3/11/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.3084
S.1990
Sponsors
Rep. Madaro
Rep. González
Sen. DiDomenico
Summary
Ensures that state agencies meet the needs of our Commonwealth’s increasingly diverse population by providing public information and services in languages other than English, as required by Federal law.
Status
H.3084 reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 10/23/24.
S.1990 reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 10/30/24.
As of 8/2/24

Economic Justice

Bill
S. 422
Sponsors
Rep. Connolly
Rep. Meschino
Sen. Jehlen
Summary
Candidates running for public office can use their campaign funds for their childcare needs.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Election Laws and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 5/30/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 489 & S. 301 → S.2707
Sponsors
Rep. Gordon
Rep. Madaro
Sen. Lewis"
Summary
The state would provide affordable and accessible early education and childcare.
Status
Senate Passed to be engrossed 3/14/24; needs to be brought to a vote in House Ways and Means.
Language included in the FY24 budget to expand eligibility for childcare subsidies and improve pay for early educators.
As of 8/12/24
Bill
H. 211 & S.1112 → H.4634
Sponsors
Rep. Pignatelli
Rep. Moran
Sen. Rausch
Summary
Provide a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on Health Care Financing and referred to the committee on Joint Rules.
Discharged to the committee on House Rules 5/9/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1872
S. 1188
Sponsors
Rep. Farley-Bouvier
Rep. Montaño
Sen. Jehlen
Summary
Guarantees one standard, full minimum wage for all tipped workers, ending the practice of paying sub-minimum wages.
Status
Reporting extended to 7/31; Senate concurred on 3/28/24. Date has passed with no action.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1849 & S. 1191 → H.4890
Sponsors
Rep. Cutler
Rep. Oakley
Sen. Jehlen
Summary
Employer shall provide pay scale for employee/applicant.
Status
Passed conference committee. Enacted and laid before the governor on 7/24/24; expected to be signed on 8/6/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 3118 → H.4675
Sponsor
Rep. Ultrino
Summary
The office of economic empowerment will create programs, policies, and partnerships to promote economic mobility and financial independence to residents across the commonwealth.
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on Joint Rules.
Discharged Discharged to the committee on House Rules 6/10/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 3130 → H.4675
Sponsor
Rep. Williams
Summary
The formation of a new bureau who will be responsible for the recovery and reconstruction of low and moderate income communities and economically disadvantaged communities.
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on Joint Rules.
Discharged Discharged to the committee on House Rules 6/10/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 2360
Sponsors
Sen. Velis
Summary
Creates the first women’s veteran network that reaches out to female veterans to provide support.
Status
Received funding in the FY24 budget.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 740
Sponsors
Rep. Rogers
Sen. DiDomenic
Summary
Cover All Kids would provide Mass Health to anyone 21 or under regardless of their immigration status.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Health Care Financing and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 10/30/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 799
Sponsors
Rep. Williams
Rep. Garcia
Sen. Payano
Summary
This bill would provide Mass Health to all residents regardless of immigration status or age.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Health Care Financing and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/8/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1708 → H.4831
S. 978 → S.2753
Sponsors
Rep. Nguyen
Sen. Friedman
Summary
This bill makes sexual harassment unlawful and creates a compliance-based approach to discrimination regulation similar to the Federal Fair Lending Laws. Will make innovation funding more accessible for women and minorities.
Status
H.4831: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules on 7/22/24.
S.2753: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 5/6/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1317
Sponsors
Rep. Donahue
Summary
Would protect all low-income state residents from eviction by codifying and streamlining access to DHCD’s homelessness prevention programs.
Status
Reporting date extended to 7/31/24, pending concurrence. House concurred 7/15/24. Reporting date has passed with no update.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1281 → H.4713
S. 817 → S.2646
Sponsors
Rep. Moran
Rep. Madaro
Sen. Crighton
Summary
Ensures that all MA high school graduates have access to in-state tuition at our Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities, regardless of immigration status, as 23 other states and D.C. provide. The Senate bill would also extend eligibility for state financial aid.
Status
H.4713: Order reported favorably by the committee on Higher Education and referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules on 6/6/24.
S.2646: Order reported favorably by the committee on Higher Education and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 2/15/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
S. 1402
Sponsors
Rep. Lewis
Rep. Domb
Sen. Lewis
Summary
Marshall the skills of seasoned, internationally-trained physicians to address acute physician shortages in Massachusetts by creating a streamlined pathway to full licensure.
Status
Bill recommended ought to pass by the committee on Health Care Financing and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/22/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H.2204 / S.1334 → Amendment #34 on S.2856:
Sponsors
Rep. Kane
Rep. Garlick
Sen. Comerford
Summary
Improve and update the current public health system; ensure strong public health protections for all residents, regardless of race, income, or zip code.
Status
The Senate wrote an amendment, amendment #34 by Senator Comerford in S.2856, that has SAPHE 2.0 language and attached it to the economic development bill H.4804. The House had already passed H.4804 so now there is a conference committee, appointed 7/18/24, to negotiate the differences (including the SAPHE amendment).
As of 8/12/24

LGBTQ+ Rights

Bill
H.4672
S.947
Sponsors
Rep. Peake
Rep. Kane
Sen. Cyr
Summary
Will update Massachusetts’ outdated parentage law so that it is clear, equitable, and provides legal protection for all families, including LGBTQ+ families.
Status
Enacted and laid before the Governor on 8/1/24; expected to be signed.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 498 → H.4519
S. 259 → S.2709
Sponsors

Rep. Lewis
Sen. Cyr
Summary
Inclusion of LGBTQ+ history in public schools.
Status
H.4519 reported favorably by the committee on education and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 4/8/24.
S.2709 reported favorably by the committee on Education and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 4/1/24.
As of 8/2/24
Bill
H. 1683 → H.4831
S. 945 → S.2753
Sponsors
Rep. Montaño
Sen. Cyr
Summary
To repeal “common nightwalking” and grant limited amnesty to sex workers that seek help.
Status
H.4831: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules 7/22/24.
S.2753: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 5/6/24.
As of 8/2/22
Bill
H.3368
S.2429
Sponsors
Rep. Linksy
Sen. Comerford
Summary
An individual may request a change in the sex designation on their birth record to a sex designation including, but not limited to, “female,” “male,” or “X,” with “X” designating that the person is another gender or an undesignated gender.
Status
Passed as part of the FY24 Budget.
As of 11/13/24
Bill
H. 1617 → H.4517
S. 1110 → S.2612
Sponsors
Rep. Fernandes
Rep. Lewis
Sen. Rausch
Summary
Creates a peer exception to protect teens from criminal prosecution for consensual sexual activity with peers.
Status
H.4517: Reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary; referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules 6/5/24.
S.2612: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 2/12/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1537
Sponsor
Rep. Gordon
Summary
Details the sentencing and punishment for any school or government official who sexually assaults a minor.
Status
House reporting extended to 7/31 on 7/1 pending Senate concurrence; Senate concurred 7/25/24. Date has passed with no action.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1536
Sponsor
Rep. Gordon
Summary
Takes away any statute of limitations for the sexual assault of a minor
Status
Reporting extended to 6/30/24 on 5/20/24. Date has passed with no action.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1037 → H.4691
S. 596 → S.2636
Sponsors
Rep. Higgins
Rep. Barber
Sen. Comerford
Summary
Those seeking gender reaffirming care will not be asked for more than one letter from a mental health care professional by corporations, insurance provider, the commission, or health official.
Status
H.4691: Order reported favorably by the committee on Financial Services and referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules 5/30/24.
S.2636: Order reported favorably by the committee on Financial Services and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 2/15/24.
As of 8/5/24

Gender Based Violence

Bill
H. 1757 → H.4831
Sponsor
Rep. Sabadosa
Summary
Promote the health and safety of people working in the sex trade.
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules 7/22/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1705
S. 1108 → S.2851
Sponsors
Rep.Nguyen
Sen. Rausch
Summary
Makes height and weight protected identities alongside race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and others.
Status
H.1705: Reporting extended to 6/30 with Senate’s concurrence on 5/20/24. Reporting date has passed with no action.
S.2851: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently on 7/1/24. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 7/18/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1572 → H.4517
Sponsor
Rep. Jones, Jr.
Summary
Prohibiting motor vehicle tracking devices without consent.
Status
H.4517: Reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary; referred to the committee on Joint Rules. Discharged to the committee on House Rules 6/5/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1758 → H.4831
S. 1046 → S.2753
Sponsors
Rep. Sabadosa
Sen. Miranda
Summary
Prevent human trafficking and improve the health and safety of sex workers.
Status
H.4831: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules 7/22/24.
S.2753: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 5/6/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 560 → H.4576
Sponsors
Rep. Rogers
Summary
Teaching media literacy in schools to promote child safety on the internet.
Status
The committee on House Rules recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 6/27/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 1918
Sponsor
Rep. Livingstone
Sen. Creem
Summary
Extending protection to work for victims of abusive behavior.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Labor and Workforce Development and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Third reading ordered 1/29/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 357
S. 148
Sponsors
Rep. Lipper Garabedian
Sen. Creem
Summary
This bill would Prohibit companies from selling, leasing, trading, or renting location data. Require companies to obtain consent before collecting or processing location data.
Status
Both Bills's reporting dates extended to 7/31/24 in February 2024. Date has passed with no action.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 4241 → H.4744
Sponsors
Amalgamation of multiple bills (many original sponsors)
Summary
This bill will add coercive control and technological abuse to the civil protection law to recognize less visible forms of abuse.
Status
Enacted: signed by the Governor 6/20/24!
Bill
H. 1399 → H.4831
S. 107 → S.2753
Sponsors
Rep. Natalie M. Blais
Sen. Michael Moore
Summary
The misuse of the court system by people who cause harm to further tactics of abusive power and control is referred to as abusive litigation.These tactics can force survivors to appear repeatedly in court at their emotional and financial expense. This bill provides courts with a tool to curb abusive litigation and mitigate its harms.
Status
H.4831: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Joint Rules 7/22/24.
S.2753: Order reported favorably by the committee on The Judiciary and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently. Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules 5/6/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
S. 2477
Sponsors
Rep. Barber
Rep. Donato
Summary
Legislation to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education for aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists
Status
Passed to be engrossed by the Senate on 7/29/24; still needs to be brought to a vote in House Ways and Means.
As of 8/5/24

Constitutional Equity

Bill
S.2799
Sponsors
Sen. Creem
Summary
Same day voter registration, decoupling municipal census, ensuring access for voters with disabilities, uniform mail voting forms
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Election Laws and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 5/30/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H.3095
S. 2016
Sponsor
Rep. Nguyen
Rep. Shand
Sen. Lewis
Summary
Ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions
Status
H.3095: Bill reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 7/31/23.
S.2016: Hearing scheduled for 5/10/23. Hearing date passed with no action.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 3095
S. 2029
Sponsors
Rep. Nguyen
Rep. Shand
Sen. Miranda
Summary
This is a new bill that works to ensure parity on public boards and commissions. This bill would do so by asking for transparency, data collection, and reporting of public board and commission membership in order to disclose the gaps of representation.
Status
H.3095: Bill reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 7/31/23.
S.2029: Bill reported favorably by the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means 7/31/23.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 688 → H.4733
Sponsors
Rep. Gentile
Summary
Same Day Voter Registration allows all eligible voters to register or update their registration in-person on Election Day or early voting days.
Status
Order reported favorably by the committee on Election Laws and referred to the committee on Joint Rules 7/15/24.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 656
Sponsors
Rep. Arriaga
Summary
Allowing uniform vote by mail and absentee voting forms, ballots and other paperwork will reduce costs and workload for local election officials, and reduce confusion by voters.
Status
Reporting date extended to 5/28/24 pending Senate concurrence. Senate concurred 4/11/24. Reporting date has passed with no action.
As of 8/5/24
Bill
H. 701
Sponsor
Rep. Khan
Summary
Requires the Secretary to arrange inspection of all polling places and early voting sites at least once every four years, to ensure compliance with federal and state disability accessibility laws. Cities and towns not in compliance must take immediate action to comply and file a compliance plan, and the Attorney General can enforce compliance in court.
Status
Bill reported favorably by the committee on Election Laws and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means 2/26/24.
As of 8/5/24