Ella Adams
State House News Service
Senate Democrats plan to pass their version of the PROTECT Act next Thursday.
A House version of the bill designed to protect immigrants from some types of federal immigration law enforcement passed 134-21 on March 25.
The Senate held its session open Thursday for more than four hours before a Senate Ways and Means proposal (S 3072) emerged with a 15-1 endorsement vote from that panel. Amendments to the bill are due on Monday.
The House bill (H 5316) was based on a draft by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. The bill blocks federal agents from making civil arrests at courthouses. Gov. Maura Healey's proposal in January looked to shield additional places, including schools, health care facilities and houses of worship.
When Healey unveiled her plan, Senate President Karen Spilka pledged swift action on "measures that we feel are necessary to defend the safety, dignity, and rights of our residents." She proclaimed in January that "the Senate will do everything in its power to return these proposals to your desk for your signature – soon."
Nearly 60 organizations that make up the People's PROTECT Act Coalition rallied Monday to call on the Senate to boost the House's bill by ending "harmful" collaboration with ICE, expanding access to optional virtual court proceedings and improving the visa certification process for certain crime victims.
Once the bill clears the Senate, it will be up to a six-person conference committee to come up with a single bill to send to Healey's desk.