WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 4129

An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz and 1 co-sponsor

Creates an 11-member permanent Massachusetts Commission on Islam to advise government, promote civil rights and inclusion, conduct research, and steer policy.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4129

Summary: An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the Commonwealth (HD 4129)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts law would create a permanent Commission on the Status of People Who Practice Islam in the Commonwealth. The commission would serve as a statewide resource on issues facing American Muslim communities, with a mandate to inform government, business, education, health, and media audiences, promote research, and advise on legislation and public policy to advance civil rights and inclusion.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a permanent commission: A nine-to-eleven member body (the bill specifies 11 members) to study and advise on issues affecting Muslims in Massachusetts.
  • Composition and appointments: Members are to be appointed by several state actors:
    • 2 by the governor
    • 1 by the speaker of the House
    • 1 by the Senate president
    • 1 by the attorney general
    • 2 by the state secretary
    • 2 by the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
    • 2 by the House chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
    • Members must reside in Massachusetts and have demonstrated commitment to the Muslim American community
  • Terms and vacancies: 3-year terms; vacancies filled by the original appointing authority for the remainder of the term
  • Eligibility process: Annual open solicitation of nominations (August 1 – September 16) using a uniform statewide application
  • Officers and compensation: The commission elects its own officers (including a chair, vice-chair, and treasurer). Members do not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for ordinary expenses
  • Powers and activities:
    • Serve as a liaison among government, private groups, and Muslim communities
    • Promote research, information sharing, and cooperation within the American Muslim community
    • Assess state programs and practices for their impact on Muslims
    • Advise state lawmakers and agencies on potential effects of proposed legislation
    • Recommend qualified American Muslims for government positions as appropriate
    • Convene public meetings, hearings, and forums; may request information from state agencies
    • Seek and manage funds (gifts, grants, federal funds) deposited in a separate account maintained by the State Secretary
    • Establish necessary offices and bylaws consistent with law
  • Reporting: Annual report due by June 2 each year to the Governor and the clerks of the Senate and House
  • Staffing: An executive director (3-year term) plus staff and volunteers to support duties

Commission Composition and Appointments

  • Initial appointment provisions (Section 2) outline specific deadlines for appointing initial members (by December 1, 2024) from the Governor, Attorney General, Speaker, and President of the Senate, with terms of 3 years. This transitional language indicates a phased setup toward full commission operation.

Potential Impact

  • Establishes an official, ongoing governmental mechanism to address civil rights, inclusion, and policy impacts on American Muslims in Massachusetts.
  • Creates formal channels for communication between Muslim communities and state government.
  • Enables data collection, research, and advisory input on legislation and state programs affecting Muslims.
  • Could influence hiring and appointment practices by recommending qualified Muslim candidates for state boards and commissions.

Practical Considerations

  • Implementation would require funding for staff, offices, and operations, with oversight by the State Secretary and applicable ethics rules.
  • The effectiveness of the commission will depend on timely appointments, adequate resources, and productive collaboration with existing civil rights and inclusion bodies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.