The PROTECT Act is designed to enhance the rights and protections of individuals detained in state correctional facilities while regulating the interaction between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It introduces a new section, 87B, to Chapter 127 of the General Laws, which requires facilities to provide detained individuals with written notices of their rights in their primary language, ensure confidential attorney-client communications, and maintain updated records. The Act also mandates competent interpretive services and prohibits any barriers to accessing legal counsel or court proceedings. Additionally, it amends Chapter 147 to limit law enforcement inquiries about immigration status to instances directly related to specific criminal offenses and restricts state and local law enforcement from executing agreements for civil immigration enforcement, except under strict conditions.

Moreover, the Act establishes new protocols for certifying entities that respond to nonimmigrant status certification requests from victims of qualifying criminal activity and severe forms of trafficking, requiring responses within 45 days or 14 business days if the applicant is in removal proceedings. It introduces a rebuttable presumption of helpfulness for victims reporting qualifying criminal activity and prohibits retaliation by state or local employees against individuals seeking assistance. The bill also empowers the governor to prohibit civil immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of state entities and mandates the publication of multilingual guidelines for handling interactions with law enforcement. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce compliance through civil actions, and the bill outlines specific timelines for implementation, with various sections taking effect within 60 to 180 days after the act's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 149-19C, 276-58