Start of Session Legislative Update: March 2025
96 Endorsed Bills
BILLS BY CATEGORY
Reproductive Justice: 13
Racial Justice: 32
Economic Justice: 23
LGBTQ+ Rights: 15
Gender-Based Violence: 8
Constitutional Equity: 5
BILLS BY COMMITTEE AS OF 4/2/25
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity: 2
Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities: 2
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure: 1
Joint Committee on Education: 11
Joint Committee on Election Laws: 4
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources: 1
Joint Committee on Financial Services: 5
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing: 4
Joint Committee on Higher Education: 2
Joint Committee on Housing: 3
Joint Committee on the Judiciary: 27
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development: 2
Joint Committee on Municipalities & Regional Government: 1
Joint Committee on Public Health: 7
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security: 7
Joint Committee on Revenue: 3
Joint Committee on Rules: 1
Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight: 9
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy: 1
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development: 3
This is the beginning of the 194th Legislative session, and many of our endorsed bills from last session have been refiled as well as new bills introduced. This legislative session, we’ve endorsed 81 bills, which includes 36 newly introduced bills and 45 refiled bills. Given the beginning of a new legislative session and the introduction of exciting new bills, we wanted to share an update on the endorsed legislation of our feminist agenda.
This is the largest and most intersectional legislative agenda in Mass NOW’s history, representing a multi-pronged strategy needed to achieve a feminist democracy in the Commonwealth. We’ve included a glossary of what each status means below. To learn more about the legislative process, we recommend this overview from Mass Legal Services.
Currently, most Bills are awaiting assignment to committee, but you can look out for updated information through our website or by searching for their Docket or Bill numbers on https://malegislature.gov.
Advancing Menstrual Equity
This session marks a historic moment, with a record number of menstrual equity bills filed. Mass NOW’s menstrual equity agenda focuses on three key bills:
The I AM Bill (Increase Access to Menstrual Products)
Together, these bills address disparities in access to menstrual products by mandating availability in public buildings, schools, and carceral facilities, while increasing ingredient transparency to ensure informed consumer choices. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day, meeting with legislators and advocating for these critical measures! You can take action by writing to your state legislators in support of menstrual equity using our advocacy toolkit.
Healthy Youth Act (HYA)
Mass NOW has been a founding member of the Healthy Youth Act (HYA) Coalition for over a decade, advocating for comprehensive sexual health education. While the HYA was voted favorably out of the Education Committee last session, it was not passed. In June 2023, the Massachusetts Board of Education approved new Health Education Frameworks for the first time in 24 years, but legislative action is still needed to ensure these frameworks are not merely recommendations, but minimum standards. The HYA, refiled this session by Representatives O’Day and Howard and Senator DiDomenico, would establish these standards and require biennial reporting to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on curriculum implementation.
Parity on Boards
Ensuring diverse leadership is essential, especially in light of federal attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Parity on Boards bill would require every public board and commission in Massachusetts to strive for at least 50% women and 30% representation from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ communities. Diverse leadership strengthens institutions, fosters resilience, and advances equity—principles that are fundamental to our feminist values.
Protecting Immigrant Rights
With immigrant communities facing increasing threats at the federal level, Mass NOW is prioritizing legislative efforts to ensure protection and support. Our two main bills in this area are:
The Immigrant Legal Defense Act, which provides legal representation for individuals facing deportation.
The Safe Communities Act, which prevents state employees from being used to enforce federal immigration policies that harm immigrant communities.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections
Building on last session’s success in expanding gender identity options on Massachusetts-issued IDs, we are advancing several bills this session to further protect and support the LGBTQ+ community. These include measures to:
Reproductive Justice and Abortion Access
Massachusetts has a responsibility to uphold and expand reproductive rights. This session, we are endorsing the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Bill, which would expand abortion access beyond 24 weeks in cases of medical necessity. The right to reproductive autonomy is fundamental, and this bill ensures Massachusetts remains a leader in protecting that right.
How You Can Take Action
The work ahead requires collective effort, and your voice is critical in advancing these bills. Most of our priority legislation is currently awaiting committee assignment, and we want to ensure you have the tools to advocate effectively.
To stay informed on when bills are scheduled for committee hearings, visit our website and sign up for our newsletter. We are committed to supporting advocates in writing and submitting testimony to ensure these bills receive the strongest possible backing.
For resources, updates, and opportunities to get involved, check our website or reach out—we look forward to working alongside you this session!
NEWLY ENDORSED BILLS:
Reproductive Justice:
(HB2370/ SB1563) The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act
(HB1117/ SB784) An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce
(SB197) An Act to protect safety and privacy by stopping the sale of location data (Location Shield Act)
(HB2658) An Act to provide reproductive health care to incarcerated individuals
(HB1924/SB1171) An Act Relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants
(HB86) An Act to protect location privacy
(HB2527/SB1564) An Act Relative to the creation of an Endometriosis Taskforce
(SB824) An Act relative to IUD pain management coverage
Racial Justice:
(HB1954/ SB1127) The Immigrant Legal Defense Act
(HB1811/ SB1114) An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing (Clean Slate)
(HB2591/ SB1720) An Act to build restorative family and community connection (Visitation Bill)
(SB2327) Resolve increasing representation of all Massachusetts residents in the state house art collection
(HB3441) An Act the Commonwealth Housing, Economic, Education, and Equity in Recovery and Reconstruction (CHEEERR Act)
(HB1452/ SB928) Banning Legacy Preferences in Higher Education
(HB1588/ SB1122) An Act relative to immigration detention and collaboration agreements (Dignity Not Deportations Act)
(HB1695/ SB1051) Expanding juvenile diversion eligibility for low-level offenses
(HB1900/ SB1081) Exclude juvenile adjudications from counting towards adult mandatory minimum sentences
(HB1984/ SB108) An Act protecting youth during custodial interrogations
(HB1979/ SB1065) An Act prohibiting deception in juvenile interrogations
(HB620/ SB1721) An Act to ensure educational rights are upheld for incarcerated youth
(HB1451/ SB936) An Act Relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records
(HB1658/ SB1050) An Act to Enhance fairness and increase positive outcomes for children
(HB1918/ SB1240) An Act Promoting fairness in youthful offender indictments
Economic Justice
(HB3110/ SB2033) An Act combating offshore tax avoidance (Corporate Fair Share Bill)
(HD4328/ SB374) An Act empowering students and schools to thrive (Thrive Act)
(HB678/ SB388) An Act to fix the Chapter 70 inflation adjustment (Funding Our Public Schools)
(HB1436/ SB929) An Act relative to debt-free public higher education (Debt-Free Public Higher Ed)
(HB3056/ SB1937) An Act granting a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing (Real Estate Transfer Fee)
(HB2328/ SB1447) An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants (Rent Stabilization)
(HB1405/ SB860) An Act establishing medicare for all in Massachusetts (Medicare for All)
(HB3547/ SB2290) An Act preventing gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety (Put Gas in the Past)
(HB1014/ SB588) An Act establishing a climate change superfund (Make Polluters Pay)
(HD4304/ SB2099) An Act to provide sunlight to state government (Sunlight Act)
(HB223/ SB130) An Act relative to a livable wage for human services workers
(HB3159/ SB1938) An Act supporting family caregivers
(HB1495/ SB959) An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months
(HB1350/ SB842) An Act to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform
(HB2070/ SB1293) Resolve establishing a special commission on paid family and medical leave for public employees
(HB1660/ SB1131) An Act relative to juvenile fines, fees, and restitution
(HB285/SB169) An Act Relative to health care quality for children and youth
LGBTQ+ Rights
(HB1190/ SB715) An Act relative to modern family building
(HB3594/ SB2328) An Act regarding free expression (Right to Learn Bill)
(HB655/ SB371) An Act to promote comprehensive and inclusive curriculum in schools (CARE Bill)
(SB2155) An Act establishing a commission on the status of transgender people
(HB1973/ SB1045) An Act Protecting Personal Security (Name change bill)
(HB2501/ SB1505) An Act Relative to LGBTQ+ Health Disparities
(SB710) An Act Relative to Gender Affirming Hair Removal Treatment
(HB3317/ SB2116) An Act providing for gender-neutral bathrooms
(HB2656/ SB1660) An Act to promote rehabilitation including guaranteed health, treatment, and safety for incarcerated LGBTQI+ people
Gender Based Violence
(HB1921/ SB1118) An Act relative to sexual harassment
(HB1747) An Act Relative to Safe Reporting
Constitutional Equity
(HD.2673 / SD.636) “An Act decoupling the municipal census from voter registration” (Decoupling the Municipal Census from the Voter Rolls)
(HD.856 / SD.667) An Act establishing same day registration of voters (Same Day Registration)
REFILED:
Reproductive Justice:
(HB656/ SB340) An Act relative to healthy youth (the Healthy Youth Act, HYA)
(HB2483/ SB1549) An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products (I AM Bill)
(HB3318/ SB2156) An Act to increase access to menstrual products in public buildings
(HB2375/ SB1483) An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure
(HB2401/ SB1485) An Act An act providing for safe and consensual sensitive examinations (At Your Cervix Act)
Racial Justice:
(HB2732) An Act relative to missing Black women and girls in Massachusetts
(HB3422/ SB2114) An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium
(HB576/ SB368) An Act to reduce exclusionary discipline for violations of rules related to student grooming and dress
(HB1554/ SB996) An Act to secure housing for returning citizens
(HB575/ SB312) An Act prohibiting the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth
(HB628/ SB444) An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history
(HD4297/ SB387) An Act relative to safer schools
(HB1923/ SB1061) An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youths (Raise the Age Bill)
(HB2529) An Act to create equitable approaches to public health
(HB2580/ SB1681) An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents (Safe Communities Act)
(SB1054) An Act Improving Juvenile Justice Data Collection
(HB3419/ SB2113) An Act Establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day
(HB2636/ SB1725) Creating an Independent Correctional Oversight Office in Correctional Facilities
(HB3597/ SB2335) Protecting Native American Heritage
(HB3384/ SB2125) Language Access and Inclusion
(HB649/ SB412) Providing for the Creation of a Permanent Commission Relative to the Education of American Indian and Alaska Native Residents
(HB730/ SB376) Remedy Disparities in Students’ Educational Achievement
Economic Justice
(HB47/ SB2131) An Act establishing an Office of Economic Empowerment
(HB1417/ SB901) An Act to advance health equity
(HB1566) An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)
(HB1922/ SB1119) An Act Relative to Fair Investment Practices
(HB274/ SB1120) An Act Establishing a Bill of Rights for People Experiencing Homelessness
(HB1403/ SB855) An Act ensuring equitable health coverage for children (Cover All Kids)
LGBTQ+ Rights
(HB1733) An Act relative to the age of consent in certain criminal prosecutions and civil actions for sexual assault and rape of a child
(HB1835/ SB1104) An Act supporting consenting young adults (Romeo and Juliet Bill)
(HB599/ SB336) An Act relative to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum
(HB1188/ SB681) An Act relative to trans-inclusive health care access
(HB1893/ SB1062) An Act to stop profiling transgender people and low-income women
(HB1732) An Act amending the statute of limitations relating to civil rights actions and criminal prosecutions for the sexual assault and rape of a child
Gender Based Violence
(HB1919/ SB1249) An Act prohibiting body size discrimination
(HB1773) An Act prohibiting motor vehicle tracking devices without consent
(HB323/ SB200) An Act to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education
(HB1980) “An Act to promote the health and safety of people in the sex trade
(HB2143/ SB1294) An Act Relative to Employment Protections for Victims of Abusive Behavior
(HB1594/ SB1205) An Act Relative to Controlling and Abusive Litigation
Constitutional Equity
(HB3398/ SB2160) An Act to promote diversity on public boards and commissions
(HB834/ SB505) An Act establishing same day registration of voters
(HB820/ SB504) An Act enforcing accessibility for voters with disabilities
(HB874/ SB524) An Act relative to voting rights restoration
