October Legislative Update: Bills are Moving — and Momentum Building for Menstrual Equity!
Sasha Goodfriend, Executive Director at Mass NOW, speaks at press conference after Senate passes I AM and Ingredient Disclosure Bills
We’re thrilled to share that so many of our Mass NOW–endorsed bills are on the move this session — especially those advancing our Menstrual Equity Agenda! From hearings to Senate victories, feminist policy is gaining traction across the Commonwealth, and your advocacy is making it happen.
We’ve now endorsed 128 bills and formally oppose 3 that would cause harm to our communities. Below you’ll find key updates on bills we’ve recently endorsed, those we oppose, and the latest from our coalition partners across Massachusetts.
Legislative Highlights
We’ve entered the stage of the session where bills are moving quickly — some still waiting for hearings, others advancing from one chamber to the next. Two of our priority Menstrual Equity bills — the I AM Bill and the Ingredient Disclosure Bill — have already passed in the Senate and are heading to the House!
Recently, we’ve added the following bills to our endorsements list:
(S1035) An Act Relative In Increasing Transparency in Juvenile Court Proceedings
(H.2467) An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work
(H.2634) An act relative to sexual assault by an officer
(H.1312/ S.789) An Act relative to insurance coverage for doula services
(H.2108/ S.2012) An Act establishing fairness for agricultural laborers
(H.3107/ S.2011) An Act relative to overtime pay for agricultural workers
(H.359/S.251) An Act Relative to Health Equity and Community Health Workers
(H.2390) An Act Expanding access to hygiene products
We oppose:
(H.1683 / S.1116) An Act to Strengthen Justice and Support for Sex Trade Survivors
(H.584 / S.350) An Act to Ensure Fairness and Safety in School Sports
(H.737) An Act Relative to Defending the Autonomy and Integrity of Student Athletes and Coaches
Mass NOW has voted to oppose three bills because of the harm they would cause.
Two of these would allow coaches, athletes, and sports teams to refuse to compete against teams with players of “the opposite gender” in single-gender sports. These are anti-trans bills that would legalize discrimination against trans students and have no place in Massachusetts.
The third bill would partially decriminalize sex work — decriminalizing sex workers but still criminalizing buyers, also known as the Nordic model. While it may sound like a compromise, this approach actually makes conditions more dangerous for sex workers, as buyers become more secretive and push for riskier encounters to avoid detection.
Instead, we’ve endorsed several bills, including An Act to Promote the Health and Safety of People in the Sex Trade (H.1980), which would fully decriminalize sex work and prioritize safety, dignity, and human rights.
To read more about decriminalization visit BWSAC's website or Decriminalize Sex Work's FAQ page.
Sasha Goodfriend (right), Executive Director, and Nicole Lockhart-Rios (left), Policy and Event Planning Co-op, dropping off post cards in the State House
Menstrual Equity Coalition Updates
We’re thrilled to report big progress for our Menstrual Equity agenda!
Both the I AM Bill and the Ingredient Disclosure Bill have passed the Senate and are now in the House. The House version of the Ingredient Disclosure Bill has moved into the Committee on Ways and Means — an exciting sign of momentum. Help us by writing to your Representative and ask them to talk to Chair Michelwitz to bring these bills to a vote!
We’re also watching for movement on the Public Buildings Bill in both chambers and on the I AM Bill in the House. Thank you to everyone who has shown up, shared testimony, and advocated — your voices are driving this progress. Together, we’ll keep the momentum going!
Coalition Updates
Healthy Youth Act Coalition – The Healthy Youth Act had its hearing in mid-September, where Mass NOW delivered testimony. This bill would ensure a comprehensive, medically accurate sex education curriculum across Massachusetts. We’re awaiting action from the Education Committee.
Parity on Boards Coalition – The Parity on Boards Act will be heard on October 29th. Mass NOW will be submitting testimony and speaking at the hearing. The bill sets representation goals of 50% women and 30% people of color or LGBTQ+ on public boards and commissions — to make leadership truly reflect the Commonwealth.
Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) – Formerly Protecting Our Immigrant Communities (POIC), this coalition continues to advocate for immigrant rights. The Safe Communities Act will be heard on November 25th, alongside other immigration-related bills, and the Immigrant Legal Defense Act is awaiting a Judiciary hearing.
Bay State Birth Coalition – Their priority bill, An Act Promoting and Enhancing the Sustainability of Birth Centers and the Midwifery Workforce, had a hearing on October 14th, where Mass NOW offered oral testimony in support. This legislation would ensure fair insurance reimbursement for birth centers and midwives — essential for maintaining access to safe, dignified birthing options.
Raise the Age Coalition – The bill had its hearing in late September. (Check out our recent article for a recap!)
Together Rising Above Coercion Coalition– We’re still awaiting movement on the Abusive Litigation Bill in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. This bill would hold abusers accountable when they misuse the legal system to continue harassment.
Maroni Minter, Political Director at MIRA, speaking at the Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) relaunch on the State House steps
If any of these issues inspire you, we encourage you to join the coalitions and stay involved — grassroots power drives every one of these wins!
Progress like this doesn’t happen by chance — it happens because people like you show up, speak out, and organize. The movement for gender justice and equity is growing stronger every day, and we’re proud to be in this fight with you. Let’s keep pushing forward, together.
Mass NOW team at the State House, (left to right) Nicole Lockhart-Rios, Kyla Speizer, Danielle Stone, and Ally Rosenthal
