2025-2026 Legislative Session

Across the country, fundamental freedoms are at stake: from abortion bans to the criminalization of trans people to mass deportation of our immigrant neighbors. Here in Massachusetts, our leaders can – and must – prioritize residents’ health, safety, and economic security and refuse to play political games with Bay Staters’ lives. We need courageous leadership now more than ever.

In the face of threatened federal attacks on our liberties, it is time for swift, bold, pragmatic, and steady action. In Massachusetts, we have an obligation to build firewalls for freedom to protect people from government overreach and an opportunity to move freedom forward in these challenging times. Together, we can make the Commonwealth a safer, more just, and more welcoming place for all.

Printable PDF | Select Priorities Overview

ACLU of Massachusetts’ priorities for the 2025-2026 legislative session:

Firewalls for Freedom

To push back against threatened federal attacks on civil rights and civil liberties, Massachusetts must build firewalls for freedom to protect our people and communities.

Technology for Liberty

Our everyday activities online create a detailed data trail, revealing almost everything about our private lives. We must protect data privacy to ensure real-world safety.

Democracy & Voting Rights

Our democracy works best when everyone can participate. All Bay Staters should feel empowered to contribute and shape their own communities within a dynamic and responsive democratic system.

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Reproductive Freedom

The decision about whether, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make. We should all be able to make that decision without barriers or political inference.

Racial & Economic Justice

Systemic inequalities in education, housing and employment cannot go unchecked. We’re fighting to ensure all have equal access to opportunities and to end discriminatory laws and policies that deny marginalized communities a fair shot.

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Immigrants’ Rights

Immigrants are our friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues and employees. We must ensure immigrants can live with dignity, with opportunity and due process.

Harm Reduction & Treatment for Substance Use

Public health crises require public health solutions. Investing in public health over punishment saves lives and strengthens communities.

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Criminal Law Reform

Incarceration separates families and creates lifelong barriers to employment, housing, and other necessities. Massachusetts must address the scale and harm of our state’s incarceration system.