The bill proposes appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to enhance funding for various state departments, including the Judiciary and the Executive Offices for Administration and Finance and Health and Human Services. It allocates significant resources to the Group Insurance Commission and the Department of Transitional Assistance, while also addressing unanticipated obligations and modifications of existing appropriations.

In addition to funding provisions, the bill amends several sections of the General Laws to strengthen protections against civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as child care centers, schools, and healthcare facilities. It stipulates that civil immigration arrests cannot occur in these areas without a valid judicial warrant and requires the development of policies for staff interactions with law enforcement. The amendments clarify the authority of healthcare providers regarding treatment recommendations for individuals in immigration custody and establish that individuals may seek a writ of habeas corpus if they believe they have been unlawfully arrested. Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in relation to immigration enforcement and mandates public employers to indemnify employees for certain claims, while requiring child care centers and schools to adopt specific policies by September 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15A-5B, 22D-2, 115-16, 148-33, 258-9