Massachusetts S3083: Order relative to requesting the opinions of the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court on important questions of law relative to promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment

What the bill says

An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment,” is pending before the Massachusetts State Senate; and.

From the introduced text, May 7, 2026:

An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment,” is pending before the Massachusetts State Senate; and Whereas, Section 1 of Senate Amendment No. 3072 to House No. 5316 creates a state law cause of action allowing individuals to bring suit in state court against federal officers acting under color of federal law for alleged violations of rights secured by the Constitution of the United States; and Whereas, Congress has enacted statues governing liability for such violations by federal officers; and Whereas, Section 1 therefore raises substantial questions under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, including whether Congress has occupied the field of federal officer liability through the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988 (Westfall Act), and related federal remedies, and whether a state law cause of action against federal officers is barred by the doctrine of intergovernmental immunity or constitutes an obstacle to federal objectives; and Whereas, Senate Amendment No. 3072 to House No. 5316 also imposes restrictions on civil immigration enforcement, including restrictions on civil arrests in childcare facilities, schools, health care facilities, and courts, and Whereas, these restrictions raise questions under the Supremacy Clause as to whether they are preempted by federal immigration law under the doctrines of field preemption or obstacle preemption …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tarr, Andrew (D, 5th Essex) · primary sponsor
• Kelly Dooner (R)
• Ryan Fattman (R, Worcester and Hampden)

Latest actions

1. May 7, 2026: Referred to the committee on Senate Rules
2. May 7, 2026: Motion (Tarr) to suspend the rules does not prevail -- see Roll Call #153 (Yeas 5 to Nays 35)

Votes

• Motion (Tarr) to suspend the rules does not prevail (May 7, 2026): 5 yea, 35 nay, failed

Common questions

What is S3083?

S3083 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Order relative to requesting the opinions of the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court on important questions of law relative to promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment.

What does S3083 do?

In its own words: An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment,” is pending before the Massachusetts State Senate; and.

What is the status of S3083?

In committee as of May 7, 2026. Latest action: Referred to the committee on Senate Rules (May 7, 2026).

Who sponsored S3083?

Tarr, Andrew (D, 5th Essex), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S3083?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3083