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MCSW Legislative EndorsementsTo date, the Commission has voted to endorse six pieces of legislation. Click on the link to read a description of each bill and for updates on the bill’s progress through the State House.
Victims of Domestic Violence Click on a link above to read a description of the bill and for updates on the bill's progress through the State House. S.2179, An Act Establishing a Bill of Rights for Victims of Sexual AssaultThe Sexual Assault Victims Bill of Rights seeks to protect the rights of victims of sexual assault as they work through the judicial system. Too often, women do not bring charges in cases of sexual assault, in part due to the trauma of the attack that may be re-opened in court. The protections afforded by this legislation provide confidentiality, privacy and an extended statute of limitations that will benefit victims of sexual assault. This bill is also endorsed by Jane Doe Inc. and is a priority of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. This bill is currently before the Committee on House Rules. S.2139, An Act Providing Equitable Coverage of Services Under Health PlansThis bill was signed into law on March 8, 2002 by acting Governor Jane Swift. This bill requires insurance companies to cover contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy for women to the same degree they cover comparable services for men. S.1984, An Act to Ensure Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance for Victims of Domestic ViolenceThis bill was signed into law in August 2001. It will help ease the devastating financial impact of domestic violence by assuring employees affected by domestic violence the economic security necessary to secure a safe, stable living situation and obtain suitable future employment. S.804, An Act to Prohibit Discrimination in Insurance PoliciesThis bill prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against women on the basis of their sex when setting policy rates. The current insurance law, which allows distinctions based on sex, does not conform to the Massachusetts Equal Rights Amendment. This bill is currently before the Insurance Committee. S.141/H.2836, An Act to Establish a Self-Sufficiency Standard in MassachusettsThis bill will establish a realistic, independent benchmark of economic status by region throughout Massachusetts. The Self-Sufficiency Standard that will calculate the realistic costs of housing, food, child care, transportation, medical care, taxes and miscellaneous costs by region within the state. The standard will be used as an official and accurate reference point for policymakers. To learn more about the bill and its sponsors, click here WEIU-MassFESS. This bill is currently before the House Ways and Means. S. Docket No. 2111, An Act Creating a Commission on the Status of Women in the BerkshiresThis bill will establish a Women’s Commission in Berkshire County. Because county government no longer officially exists in Massachusetts, the Berkshire Women’s Commission must be established through state law rather than municipal or county ordinance, like other Commissions. The state Senate has referred this bill to the Committee on State Administration, but the House has not yet concurred. To look up bills and contact your legislator use these links:The General Court Homepage: |