H 1881
An Act granting Indian tribes access to the Massachusetts courts
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to allow Native American tribes to access the Massachusetts court system. Currently, there may be barriers to tribal members seeking justice through these courts. The bill seeks to remove these obstacles and ensure equal access to legal proceedings for tribal citizens. It is intended to strengthen tribal sovereignty and provide a more equitable legal framework.
Key provisions
- Allows Native American tribes to file lawsuits in Massachusetts courts.
- Aims to address barriers to tribal members accessing the court system.
- Facilitates tribal members seeking legal redress within Massachusetts.
- Supports tribal sovereignty and equal access to justice.
Who is affected
- Native American tribes in Massachusetts
- Tribal members residing in Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts court system
Notable changes
- Potentially removes barriers to tribal access to Massachusetts courts.
- May require court system adjustments to accommodate tribal legal practices.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joseph D. McKenna
Cosponsor
Joseph D. McKenna
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1881 194th (Current)
An Act granting Indian tribes access to the Massachusetts courts
By Representative McKenna of Sutton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1881) of Joseph D. McKenna relative to Indian tribe access to the Massachusetts courts. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joseph D. McKenna
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.1881
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:30 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 11/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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An Act granting Indian tribes access to the Massachusetts courts
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