Legislation

Language in legislation to combat human trafficking carried serious potential for unintended consequences, including the further victimization of individuals caught up in trafficking.

In February and March, the ACLU testified in opposition to broadly worded legislation that treated whistleblowers and overzealous spouses the same as malicious hackers, subjecting them to felony penalties for gaining "unauthorized access" to a computer.

Individuals owing overdue court fees may soon find their names on a public list shaming scofflaws -- even if the fees are minor, decades old, or even inaccurate -- without prior notification.

This legislation gives the police unilateral authority, without court review, to obtain Internet subscriber information on new crimes including “online impersonation,” a law that already raises serious First Amendment concerns.

The General Assembly once again considered a spate of anti-abortion legislation, including legislation prohibiting women who get an insurance plan tax credit from buying a plan that includes any abortion coverage beyond life, rape, and incest – with no exception for women’s health.

The ACLU testified that this legislation served only to further stigmatize homeless sex offenders who are already abiding by their responsibility to register, and that forcing shelter workers to continually report on sex offenders' whereabouts is an onerous and inappropriate burden.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Corporations committee in support of legislation removing from the General Laws two provisions regarding health insurance coverage for abortion that were struck down long ago, following challenge by the ACLU.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in support of legislation laying out the acceptable use of body cameras and placing restrictions on the use and release of the collected data.