As of January 2026, Massachusetts’ Data Equity law is officially in effect, marking a major change in how state agencies collect and share demographic information. The policy, passed as Section 7 of the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, is intended to ensure immigrants and communities of color are fully counted and no longer overlooked in government data.
Advocates say the law addresses a long-standing problem: when communities are invisible in public data, they are often excluded from funding decisions, policy priorities, and essential services.
Moving Beyond Broad Labels
Under the law, state agencies that collect information on race and ethnicity must now gather more detailed and specific data, rather than relying solely on broad categories such as “Black,” “Asian,” or “Hispanic.”
This change allows communities such as Somali, Haitian, Cape Verdean, Vietnamese, Dominican, and many others to be identified individually rather than grouped together. Supporters argue that this level of detail is critical for understanding real disparities in health care, housing, education, and employment.
The law applies across state agencies under the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Why Data Equity Matters
Community leaders and researchers have long argued that overly broad data hides inequality. When disparities are not visible, they are easier to ignore.
By requiring disaggregated data, the law provides policymakers and the public with a clearer picture of which communities are underserved and where resources are most urgently needed. Advocates say this creates a stronger foundation for equitable policymaking and accountability.
Voluntary Participation and Privacy Protections
The law includes safeguards designed to protect individuals and build trust, particularly among immigrant communities.
Providing demographic information remains voluntary. Individuals may select more than one identity. Write in their own description. Choose a broader category if they prefer. Agencies are prohibited from guessing a person’s race or ethnicity unless required by law.
Personal identifying information, such as names or addresses, cannot be made public. Any released data must comply with state and federal privacy laws and be shared only in aggregated formats, such as by city or ZIP code.
From Policy to Practice: Law Now Active
Although the Data Equity provisions were passed in 2023 as part of the FY24 budget, the law was designed with a phased rollout. State agencies spent 2024 and 2025 developing standards, updating systems, and preparing staff.
As of January 2026, agencies are legally required to comply with the law’s requirements. Data equity is no longer a future goal; it is now a statewide mandate.
Advocates say the coming months will be critical in determining whether agencies fully implement the law and whether the data collected leads to meaningful policy changes.
Oversight and Accountability
Oversight of the law falls to the state’s Secretary of Administration and Finance, who is required to establish and maintain standardized data collection rules. Hold at least one public hearing each year and publish annual reports on implementation and compliance
These measures are intended to ensure transparency and allow the public to track progress.
A Step Forward With Ongoing Scrutiny
Overall, immigrant advocates and equity organizations view the law as a positive and necessary step for communities of color, particularly those that have historically been undercounted or misrepresented.
At the same time, they emphasize that data alone does not create equity. The true impact of the law will depend on how responsibly agencies use the data and whether state leaders act on what the data reveals.
The Bigger Picture
With the Data Equity law now in effect, Massachusetts has laid the groundwork for a more accurate and inclusive understanding of its residents. For immigrants and communities of color, the promise is simple but significant: to be seen, counted, and considered in decisions that shape everyday life.
Whether that promise is fulfilled will depend on what comes next.
Said Abdikarim is a visionary business and nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, public policy, and civic engagement. His work spans nonprofit, educational, and public-sector organizations, where he has led high-impact initiatives focused on narrative strategy, complex project management, and meaningful engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders.


