Bill
Bill > H1954
summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
194th General Court
Bill Summary
For legislation to provide immigration legal services to eligible immigrants and refugees who lack access to legal representation and who are facing removal proceedings from the United States. The Judiciary.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund in Massachusetts to provide free legal services to immigrants and refugees facing removal proceedings who lack access to legal representation. The fund will be administered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants and will use a competitive grant program to support nonprofit organizations, law firms, and qualified attorneys in providing culturally responsive legal representation. Eligibility will be based on income (not exceeding 200% of federal poverty guidelines) and the individual's connection to Massachusetts. The bill creates an advisory committee with up to 15 members from diverse backgrounds to help develop policies and coordinate services. Grant recipients must provide legal representation at no cost, prioritizing detained individuals and those at imminent risk of deportation. The legal services will cover various proceedings, including immigration courts, federal appeals, and other related legal matters. An annual review of the fund's activities will be conducted and reported to the state legislature, tracking sources of funds, expenditures, and case data. The state will appropriate funds for the program, with grants to be awarded starting July 31, 2026, to help ensure immigrants have access to legal support during removal proceedings.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (48)
Frank Moran (D)*,
Dave Rogers (D)*,
James Arena-Derosa (D),
Christine Barber (D),
Natalie Blais (D),
Michael Brady (D),
Michelle Ciccolo (D),
Mike Connolly (D),
Manny Cruz (D),
Leigh Davis (D),
Marjorie Decker (D),
Mindy Domb (D),
Kate Donaghue (D),
Pat Duffy (D),
Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D),
Brandy Fluker Fluker-Reid (D),
Sean Garballey (D),
Judith García (D),
Carmine Gentile (D),
Homar Gomez (D),
Carlos González (D),
Jim Hawkins (D),
Natalie Higgins (D),
Kevin Honan (D),
Tara Hong (D),
Vanna Howard (D),
David LeBoeuf (D),
Jack Lewis (D),
David Linsky (D),
Hadley Luddy (D),
Billy MacGregor (D),
Adrian Madaro (D),
Sam Montaño (D),
Tram Nguyen (D),
Jim O'Day (D),
Steve Owens (D),
Sean Reid (D),
Estela Reyes (D),
Lindsay Sabadosa (D),
Amy Sangiolo (D),
Gregory Schwartz (D),
Dan Sena (D),
Priscila Sousa (D),
Steve Ultrino (D),
Erika Uyterhoeven (D),
Tommy Vitolo (D),
Susannah Whipps (I),
Chris Worrell (D),
Last Action
Senate concurred (on 02/27/2025)
Official Document
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/H1954 |
| BillText | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1954.pdf |
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