MA
Massachusetts Senate Bill S2538

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2538

Introduced
6/18/25  

Caption

Strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth

Impact

The implications of S2538 are significant, particularly in enhancing the legal framework that protects individuals involved in providing reproductive and gender-affirming health care services. It prohibits state and local agencies from assisting federal law enforcement in matters that relate to health care activities that are lawful under Massachusetts law. This could result in decreased fear among health service providers about federal repercussions leading to more accessible care for those in need. Additionally, the bill prevents the sharing of identifiable data about health care activities with entities outside of Massachusetts, further solidifying the state's commitment to local autonomy in health policy.

Summary

Senate Bill S2538 aims to strengthen health care protections within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by amending various laws related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services. The bill includes provisions that restrict the disclosure of personal information of health care providers and protect them from cooperation with federal law enforcement regarding investigations into legally protected health care activities. This aligns with a broader movement in various states to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals seeking or providing such care amid increasing scrutiny from federal courts and other states.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding S2538 involve the balance between federal mandates and state rights. Supporters argue that this is a necessary step to protect providers and patients from potential legal action originating from states where reproductive or gender-affirming health care is at risk following stricter laws. Opponents voice concerns that such measures could undermine law enforcement's ability to investigate abuses or illegal practices. The introduction of penalties for false attestations relating to subpoenas and warrants is also a contentious topic, raising legal and ethical questions about transparency and accountability.

Latest S2538 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H1185

Strengthening market oversight of the Commonwealth's Health Care System

MA H4387

Strengthening the Commonwealth’s farms and food systems

MA S1248

To increase investment in behavioral health care in the Commonwealth

MA S1415

Relative to birthing justice in the Commonwealth

MA S1113

Strengthening the commonwealth's Anti-SLAPP law

MA H5100

Relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership

MA S2734

Relative to birthing justice in the Commonwealth.

MA H4804

Relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership

MA S1166

Ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth

MA H1919

Ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth

Similar Bills

MA S2543

Strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth

MA S2522

Strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth

MA H4844

Providing protections for reproductive or gender-affirming care location information

PA HB350

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing for paternity and for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; and providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.

PA HB350

In intestate succession, further providing for rules of succession; in administration and personal representatives, providing for liability of executor; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for rules of succession, for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing general administration of support matters, repealing provisions relating to paternity and further providing for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors; and, in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for original jurisdiction and venue.

VA SB716

Unprofessional conduct; disciplinary action against doctor for providing abortion care, etc.

MA H1707

Relative to the malicious doxing of personal information

MA H1915

Relative to the malicious doxing of personal information