Photo: At a July 2017 hearing, Laura Rótolo, staff counsel and community advocate at the ACLU of Massachusetts, speaks out in favor of the Safe Communities Act (S.1305 • H.3269), a bill that would protect all Massachusetts residents by ensuring that state resources are not used to enforce federal immigration law. Take action to pass this bill. Photo by Nasser Eledroos.
Freedom Agenda
Massachusetts has always been a leader in moving freedom forward. In this historic moment, we must actively confront bold new threats to our democracy and blaze a different path. The following legislation forms the core of the ACLU Freedom Agenda for Massachusetts.
Fundamental Freedoms Act
Sen. Chandler S.787 • Rep. Kaufman H.873
Prevent two kinds of anti-democratic government monitoring of Massachusetts residents: (1) any kind of discriminatory "registration" system based on religion, national origin or other protected identity; and (2) government collection of information about residents’ protected First Amendment activity—speech, association, and religion—without reasonable suspicion that they are involved in a crime.
Resources: Fact sheet
Safe Communities Act
Sen. Eldridge S.1305 • Rep. Matias H.3269
Protect all Massachusetts residents by ensuring that state resources are not used to enforce federal immigration law.
Resources: Fact sheet • Testimony
> Take action to pass the Safe Communities Act
Electronic Privacy Act
Sen. Spilka S.943 • Rep. Peake H.2332
Update legal protections from searches and seizures to make sure they keep pace with technology. Require a warrant for the government to access information about your private phone and internet use.
Resources: Fact sheet • Testimony
> Take action to pass the Electronic Privacy Act
Repeal Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses
Sen. Creem S.819 • Rep. Carvalho H.741
Repeal mandatory minimum sentences for all drug offenses and allow prisoners who are now serving such sentences to become parole eligible. Mandatory sentencing laws are unfair, ineffective and costly.
Resources: Fact sheet • Testimony • Letter to Conference Committee
> Take action to end mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses
Contraceptive Access Act
Sen. Chandler S.499 • Reps. Haddad & Scibak H.536
Protect and expand access to contraception by requiring insurers in Massachusetts to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing.
Resources: Fact sheet
Election Day Registration Act
Sen. Creem S.371 • Rep. Carvalho H.354
Establish election day registration to replace the Commonwealth's unconstitutional 20-day voter registration deadline.
Resources: Testimony
Other Selected Legislation
The following ACLU-backed bills aim to protect privacy and equality, ensure open government and advance smart justice.