Massachusetts has long been a leader in civil rights, and I am committed to continuing that tradition. Social justice is not legislative area, but a lens through which I analyze every bill. From climate justice to police reform, we must assess how every policy action (or inaction) disproportionately affects more marginalized communities in our Commonwealth.

 

I have led the charge on civil rights protections that are still absent from our Commonwealth's law books, including anti-discrimination protections for people experiencing homelessness, making body size discrimination unlawful, protections against sexual and identity-based harassment on Beacon Hill, and removing needless barriers to adoption for same-sex couples. With the MCI-Norfolk prison located within my district, I will always fight for access to medical care and better prison conditions for my incarcerated constituents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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During my first term in office, I spoke on the Senate floor in favor of comprehensive police reform, particularly banning the use of tear gas and rolling back qualified immunity, a legal doctrine whose original purpose has been eroded by courts over time and now restricts accountability for egregious misconduct by bad actors in law enforcement.

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Everyone – regardless of race, gender, income, age, ability, creed, nationality, or sexuality – deserves civil rights, clean air and water, safety, dignity, and equal opportunity. There is still much work to do in pursuit of justice and equity, and I pledge to remain all in.
 

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LEAD-SPONSORED LEGISLATION   

 

• S.211 | An Act providing safe homes for all

• S.344 | An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history

• S.399 | An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities

• S.432 | An Act to ensure a complete, accurate, and equitable census count

• S.800 | An Act relative to the fair treatment of life estates in MassHealth Eligibility

• S.1108 | An Act prohibiting body size discrimination

• S.1110 | An Act supporting consenting young adults

• S.1112 | An Act establishing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness

• S.1113 | An Act strengthening the commonwealth's Anti-SLAPP law

• S.1115 | An Act to protect the free flow of information in Massachusetts

• S.1218 | An Act relative to non-compete agreements for veterinarians

• S.1459 | An Act modernizing birth certificates

• S.1579 | An Act to ensure compliance with the anti-shackling law for pregnant incarcerated women

• S.1580 | An Act relative to health education in women's correctional institutions

• S.1581 | An Act banning the use of tear gas against civilians

• S.1582 | An Act relative to media access and transparency in correctional facilities

• S.2059 | An Act establishing Election Day as a holiday and providing paid voting leave

• S.2061 | An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature

• S.2177 | An Act advancing water access equity through utility reporting requirements