Establishing a Massachusetts Reparations Study Commission

State Bills: Massachusetts

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

Massachusetts Senate Bill S.1181, sponsored by Sen. Liz Miranda and companion House bill H.1753, proposes establishing a commission to study reparations for descendants of American slavery in Massachusetts. The Joint Committee on the Judiciary reported the bill favorably on February 5, 2026, and the Senate committee recommended ought to pass on March 31, 2026. A public hearing was held on November 25, 2025. If enacted, the commission would examine the legacy of slavery and potential remedies.

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What changed

Massachusetts Senate Bill S.1181 would create a reparations study commission to examine the legacy of slavery and potential reparations for descendants of American slavery in Massachusetts. The bill was introduced by Sen. Liz Miranda with companion H.1753 in the House, reported favorably by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, and recommended ought to pass by the Senate committee on March 31, 2026. The commission would be empowered to conduct research, hold hearings, and potentially recommend policy remedies.

Compliance teams and government affairs professionals should monitor this legislation as it progresses through the Massachusetts General Court. While no compliance deadline or penalties exist, this bill represents a substantive policy initiative that could lead to future regulatory or budgetary actions related to reparations. Affected parties including descendants of enslaved individuals, advocacy organizations, and tribal nations may wish to engage with the legislative process or participate in commission activities if the bill is enacted.

What to do next

Monitor legislative progress of S.1181 through the Massachusetts General Court
Prepare for potential commission participation if bill is enacted
Document organizational interests related to reparations for stakeholder engagement

Source document (simplified)

Bill S.1181 194th (Current)

An Act establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1181) of Liz Miranda and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts. The Judiciary.

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Bill Information

Presenter: Liz Miranda Tabs Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary

Bill History

Displaying 7 actions for Bill S.1181
| Date | Branch | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 11/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 11/25/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual
Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 11/26/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual
Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 2/5/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently |
| 3/31/2026 | Senate | Committee recommended ought to pass |

Similar Bills

H.1753 194th (Current) An Act establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts
S.1053 193rd (2023 - 2024) An Act establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts
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H.1843 194th (Current) Resolve establishing a durable power of attorney review commission
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