Our Legislation
Our 2024 Ballot Question to Restore Voting Rights for Incarcerated People was Approved by the AG.
In addition to our advocacy and direct service programs, Justice 4 Housing (J4H) is dedicated to enacting systemic change at the policy level in Massachusetts and beyond. J4H's policy work is driven by our equitable housing "Bible," the Far From Home Report (FFHR). The FFHR was co-authored by J4H and Harvard University's Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) to outline the collateral consequences of discriminatory housing policies against Justice-Involved Individuals (JIIs) and to put forth 12 policy reforms that must be implemented by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to address these inequities.
The Economic Development Bill has officially passed!
Big news for Justice 4 Housing! With the passage of the Economic Development Bill, we now have critical funding for capital improvements to our programs. Governor Maura Healey officially signed this transformative legislation into law!
This transformative bill paves the way for us provide digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to individuals transitioning out of incarceration, and expanded programming to our Hands On Defense Network. A heartfelt thank you to State Senator Liz Miranda for championing this initiative and to Governor Maura Healey for her unwavering support. This milestone relieves a significant financial burden, allowing us to focus on creating real, sustainable change for our constituents. The future is brighter for those rebuilding their lives, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!
The Far From Home Initiative
The Problem
Existing PHA policies and regulations unduly limit access to housing assistance among JIIs in Massachusetts. These policies have a disparate impact on people of color who, despite making up only 17% of the state population, represent 50% of the incarcerated population. PHA policies restricting housing access to JIIs are harmful, discriminatory, and based on an outdated view of the criminal legal system. They affect not only JIIs, but their families and children: more than 5 million children under the age of 18 reportedly have had a parent in prison or jail nationwide, including 38,000 in Massachusetts alone.
The Landscape
In June 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge wrote a letter to all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) outlining the Biden Administration’s mission to meet the housing needs of Justice-Involved Individuals (JIIs) and to “reduce barriers to housing among people with criminal records.” In this letter, Secretary Fudge wrote that, “HUD is committed to taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the housing needs of [JIIs], and by doing so, increasing public safety within our communities.”
The Solution
Through a combination of reforms, the Far From Home Report (FFHR) envisions a pathway to expand subsidized housing access to Justice Involved Individuals and their families across Massachusetts.
No Cost Calls
The No Cost Calls Bill has officially passed!
S.1494 / H.1796
An Act to Keep Families Connected (Senate) / An Act Relative to Telephone Service for Inmates (House)
Our Bills
Clean Slate CORI Sealing
S.979 / H.1598
An Act Providing Easier and Greater Access to Record Sealing
An Act to Secure Housing for Returning Citizens
S.878 / H.1362
An Act to Secure Housing for Returning Citizens
Use Your Voice!
Contact Your Legislator
A key aspect of passing progressive legislation is the people’s support. If you agree with our legislative efforts, please take a moment to contact your local state representative and senator. The below document contains contact information for all of the state representatives and senators in Massachusetts. We have also included a link to email and call scripts for our legislation to help guide your conversation.
If you don’t know who your representative or senator is, you can find out here.