WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2732

An Act relative to missing Black women and girls in Massachusetts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishes dedicated protocols and resources to improve law enforcement response to missing Black women and girls cases.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2732

Legislative bill overview

H 2732 addresses the disproportionate disappearance of Black women and girls in Massachusetts by establishing policies, protocols, and resources to improve law enforcement response and tracking of missing persons cases. The bill likely creates dedicated task forces, standardized reporting procedures, or funding mechanisms to address gaps in how these cases are handled and prioritized.

Why is this important

Black women and girls experience significantly higher rates of disappearance and homicide than white counterparts, yet receive substantially less media coverage and investigative resources—a phenomenon known as "missing white woman syndrome." Massachusetts legislation targeting this disparity could improve case outcomes, establish accountability measures, and serve as a model for other states addressing similar inequities in public safety systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Fiscal conservatives may question the cost of dedicated task forces or new staffing positions during budget constraints, particularly without clear performance metrics for success
  • Implementation burden on law enforcement: Police departments may argue that new protocols create administrative burdens without addressing root causes, or claim existing resources are already stretched thin
  • Definition and scope: Debate over whether the bill sufficiently defines which cases qualify for enhanced response, and whether resources should be limited to Black women and girls or expanded to other underserved communities

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

Sign in to ask a question.