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Bill > S1246


MA S1246

MA S1246
To add sex and gender as protected classes for crime prosecutions


summary

Introduced
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

194th General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to the addition of sex and gender as a protected class category for crime prosecutions. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill proposes to modify Section 39 of Chapter 265 of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding "sex" and "gender" as protected categories in existing hate crime or bias crime legislation. By inserting these terms after "national origin" in the current law, the bill expands legal protections against crimes motivated by bias or discrimination to include a person's sex or gender. This means that if someone commits a criminal act targeting an individual specifically because of their sex or gender identity, they could potentially face enhanced penalties or prosecution under this statute. The amendment appears to be a relatively straightforward modification aimed at providing additional legal safeguards for individuals who might be vulnerable to discriminatory violence or harassment based on their sex or gender characteristics.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means (on 02/05/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1246
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1246.pdf
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