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H 1893

An Act to stop profiling transgender people and low-income women

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 1893 protects transgender individuals and low-income women in Massachusetts from profiling, ensuring they can report crimes without fear of prosecution for related offenses.

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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Bill Summary · H 1893

Summary of Bill H 1893: An Act to Stop Profiling Transgender People and Low-Income Women

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1893 aims to address and eliminate the profiling of transgender individuals and low-income women within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to amend existing laws that may contribute to discrimination and unfair treatment of these vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of law enforcement and criminal justice.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and repeals to existing laws:

  1. Amendment to Chapter 272, Section 53:

    • The bill proposes to remove the terms “common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female” from the statute. This change is intended to reduce stigmatization and profiling based on these outdated terms.

  2. Repeal of Chapter 272, Section 62:

    • This section, which is not detailed in the provided text, will be entirely repealed, potentially removing provisions that may contribute to the profiling of marginalized groups.

  3. Addition to Chapter 94C, Section 34B:

    • The bill introduces a new section that protects individuals who report a crime from being prosecuted for certain offenses, including:
      • Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Engaging in sex for a fee (as defined in Chapter 272, Section 53A).
      • Violations of probation or parole conditions if the evidence for these offenses was obtained as a result of their good faith report.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Transgender Individuals: The bill aims to protect transgender people from profiling and discrimination in law enforcement practices.
  • Low-Income Women: By addressing the specific vulnerabilities faced by low-income women, the bill seeks to create a more equitable legal environment.
  • Law Enforcement and Judicial System: The bill may alter how law enforcement interacts with these populations and how certain offenses are prosecuted.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on November 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Related Bills: This bill replaces House Docket No. 770.

Conclusion

Bill H 1893 represents a legislative effort to combat discrimination against transgender individuals and low-income women in Massachusetts. By amending and repealing certain legal provisions, the bill aims to foster a more just and equitable legal framework, encouraging individuals to report crimes without fear of prosecution for related offenses. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for further discussion and input on the bill's implications.

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

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