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H 1804

An Act relative to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and emergency assistance

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 14 co-sponsors

Bill H 1804 empowers law enforcement to detain suspected removable aliens and limits emergency housing aid to U.S. citizens and long-term residents in Massachusetts.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1804

Summary of Bill H 1804: An Act Relative to Public Safety, Fiscal Responsibility, and Emergency Assistance

Overview

Bill H 1804, introduced on February 27, 2025, aims to enhance public safety, ensure fiscal responsibility, and modify emergency assistance programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill is currently scheduled for a hearing on November 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of H 1804 is to:
- Strengthen the authority of law enforcement in detaining individuals suspected of being removable aliens.
- Establish guidelines for the emergency housing assistance program, including eligibility criteria and funding processes.

Key Provisions

1. Law Enforcement Authority

  • Detention of Removable Aliens:
    • The bill allows certain law enforcement personnel (e.g., municipal police, court officers, state troopers) to detain individuals upon request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if there is probable cause that the individual is a removable alien.
    • Detention can occur only if a supervisory officer determines that the individual poses a threat to public safety based on specific criteria, including prior convictions for serious offenses.
    • The maximum duration of detention is 12 hours unless a judicial officer makes a probable cause determination.

2. Emergency Housing Assistance Program

  • Competitive Bidding Process:

    • All funds allocated for services related to the emergency housing assistance program must undergo a competitive bidding process, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • Eligibility for the emergency housing assistance program will be limited to U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants who have maintained continuous legal residency in Massachusetts for at least 12 consecutive months prior to application.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement: The bill directly impacts law enforcement agencies and their procedures regarding the detention of individuals suspected of immigration violations.
  • Individuals Seeking Emergency Assistance: The changes to the emergency housing assistance program will affect U.S. citizens and immigrants, potentially limiting access to services for those who do not meet the new residency requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the Committee on The Judiciary on the same day it was introduced and has been scheduled for a hearing on November 25, 2025.
  • The bill is classified under House Docket No. 4161 and is presented by Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr., along with several co-sponsors.

Conclusion

Bill H 1804 seeks to balance public safety concerns with fiscal responsibility in Massachusetts by enhancing law enforcement's role in immigration-related detentions and revising eligibility criteria for emergency housing assistance. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the implications of these proposed changes.

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

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