Article By David Hawkins
Massachusetts Democrats are advancing legislation that would create a permanent state commission dedicated to American Muslims, giving the taxpayer-funded body broad authority to advise government officials, review legislation, and recommend Muslims for public appointments.
Senate Bill 2134, titled the “Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth,” was introduced by Sen. James Eldridge (D).
A companion bill, House Bill 3351, was introduced by Rep. Vanna Howard (D).
The proposal has already cleared its first major legislative hurdle and is now before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Commission Would Advise State Government
The legislation would establish an 11-member Commission on the Status of People Who Practice Islam.
Commission members would be appointed by some of the state’s most powerful elected officials, including the governor, attorney general, House speaker, Senate president, secretary of state, and legislative committee chairs.
Members would serve three-year terms and would be required to live in Massachusetts while demonstrating what the bill describes as a commitment to the Muslim American community.
Panel Would Recommend Muslims for Government Positions
One of the commission’s most notable responsibilities would be identifying Muslims for government appointments.
The legislation directs the panel to:
“Identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government.”
Those recommendations would include appointments to state boards and commissions, although the commission itself would not have the authority to make appointments.
Broad Powers Over State Agencies
The proposed commission would also receive sweeping advisory powers throughout state government.
Among its responsibilities, the panel would:
- Review state agency policies and programs for their impact on American Muslims.
- Advise lawmakers on how proposed legislation could affect Muslim residents.
- Serve as a liaison between government and private organizations.
- Conduct public hearings and fact-finding investigations.
- Recommend new policies to state and local governments.
State agencies could also be required to provide information and assistance requested by the commission to help carry out its work.
BREAKING: Massachusetts moves to create a “Muslim Commission” to help place Muslims in government and shape state policy.
— Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) August 11, 2026
The bill orders it to “identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government.” pic.twitter.com/lBOVF4gz8Q
Authority to Raise Outside Funding
The legislation would allow the commission to receive funding beyond traditional state appropriations.
Under the bill, it could solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations, bequests, and federal funding.
Those funds would be held in a separate account administered through the secretary of state’s office.
While commission members would serve without salaries, they could receive reimbursement for expenses.
The proposal also creates a paid executive director position, along with authority to hire additional staff and volunteers.
Focus on Islamophobia
Another major responsibility would be studying Islamophobia across Massachusetts.
The commission would monitor incidents of discrimination, evaluate existing anti-discrimination programs, examine policies used in other states, and consider whether Massachusetts should strengthen its hate-crime laws to provide additional protections.
It would also “assess programs and practices in all state agencies” and could “request from all state agencies whatever information and assistance the commission requires.”
— Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) August 11, 2026
It would advise the executive and legislature on proposed laws. pic.twitter.com/h9trMM410C
Bill Advances in Legislature
Eldridge has argued the commission would improve state government’s understanding of challenges facing Muslim communities, saying Muslim Americans contribute to Massachusetts as educators, health care workers, business owners, students, and civic leaders.
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight unanimously voted 5-0 to recommend the bill move forward, with one member reserving his rights.
The legislation is now before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
If approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, Massachusetts would create a permanent taxpayer-funded commission with a formal role in advising state government on issues affecting Muslim residents.
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