Massachusetts H3844: Resolutions proclaiming that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts supports admitting Washington, D.C. into the Union as a state of the United States of America

What the bill says

To amend or repeal any law in force in the District; and.

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

to amend or repeal any law in force in the District; and Whereas, Historically, the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States have interfered with the District of Columbia’s local self-government and Home Rule by enacting resolutions disapproving, amending, and repealing actions of the Council of the District of Columbia and the Mayor of the District of Columbia – including cases concerning the location of chanceries on December 20, 1979, sexual assault reform on October 1, 1981, schedule of heights on March 12, 1991, and a revised criminal code on March 20, 2023 – and by imposing budget riders that control and limit the use of locally-raised tax revenue – including cases concerning reproductive health services, cannabis use, and statehood advocacy; and Whereas, On multiple occasions, a majority of the voters of the District of Columbia have approved initiatives and referendums expressing their desire for statehood, most recently on November 8, 2016, through which 85.69% of voters 1) agreed that the District should be admitted to the union as the State of Washington, D.C., 2) approved the Constitution of the State of Washington, D.C., 3) approved the proposed boundaries between the State of Washington, D.C. and the federal enclave, and 4) agreed that the State of Washington, D.C. shall guarantee an elected representative form of …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Carmine Gentile (D) · primary sponsor
• James Arena-DeRosa (D)
• Shirley Arriaga (D)
• James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
• Natalie Higgins (D, 4th Worcester)
• Patricia Jehlen (D, Second Middlesex)
• Mary Keefe (D, 15th Worcester)
• David LeBoeuf (D)
• Brian Murray (D, 10th Worcester)
• Danillo Sena (D)
• Bud Williams (D, 11th Hampden)

Latest actions

1. June 1, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
2. November 13, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 11/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-03:50 PM in B-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
3. November 3, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 11/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
4. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
5. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
6. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H3844?

H3844 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Resolutions proclaiming that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts supports admitting Washington, D.C. into the Union as a state of the United States of America.

What does H3844 do?

In its own words: To amend or repeal any law in force in the District; and.

What is the status of H3844?

Failed as of June 1, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27) (June 1, 2026).

Who sponsored H3844?

Carmine Gentile (D), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H3844?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3844