Bill > S1579

This bill, known as the "Safe Communities Act," aims to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. It introduces several key provisions: 1. It prohibits law enforcement agencies from questioning individuals, including victims and witnesses of crimes, about their immigration status, unless required by state or federal law. Exceptions are made for judges and magistrates to make such inquiries as necessary for their jurisdictions. 2. It requires law enforcement agencies to obtain informed consent from individuals in their custody before conducting interviews or questioning for immigration enforcement purposes. The consent form must be provided in multiple languages and outline the individual's rights. 3. It prohibits law enforcement agencies from initiating communication with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about the pending or imminent release of individuals, except for those being released after serving a criminal sentence. 4. It mandates that all law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts incorporate information and guidance about these provisions into their training programs within 12 months of the bill's passage. The bill also includes provisions for individuals to file complaints about violations and for the findings to be made public, with personal identifying information redacted.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1579