Dome:Law, Legislation & Policy
Housed at Boston University School of Law, Dome is a valuable resource for news, analysis, and opinion on legislation and public policy. Dome is staffed by students of BU Law’s various legislation clinics. Dome features work contributed by staff members, scholars, practitioners, and law students interested in legislation and public policy.
The East Boston Electrical Substation: Lessons for the Future of Environmental Justice During Massachusetts’ Quest for Zero-Emissions
Massachusetts was an early adopter of environmental justice principles. In 2002, the Commonwealth adopted an Environmental Justice Policy, requiring the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to make environmental justice “an integral consideration to the extent applicable and allowable by law.” The policy was updated in 2021, after An Act Creating... More
The Future of AI & Healthcare: Providers and Patients Deserve Seats at the Discussions
In February 2024, Governor Maura Healy signed an Executive Order to establish the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Task Force in Massachusetts. Governor Healy is seeking $100 million in funding, hoping to make Massachusetts “a global leader in Applied AI.” The Task Force will identify potential industry stakeholders and provide recommendations... More
Navigating the Patchwork of Privacy: State Privacy Laws in the Absence of a Federal Framework
As technologies change and internet usage has exploded, the amount of personal and consumer data we provide and generate has significantly increased. Through online activities such as purchases, social media, and even surveys or just clicking on links, companies are collecting data from consumers and using it or selling it. More
A Legal Tug-of-War between the Massachusetts State Auditor and the Legislature
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts finds itself at a constitutional crossroads as the legal tug-of-war unfolds between the State Auditor and the Legislature. In August 2023, the Massachusetts State Auditor, Diana DiZoglio, sent a letter to Attorney General Andrea Campbell stating she was conducting an audit of both the Massachusetts Senate... More
Evaluating Massachusetts’ Tax Lien Foreclosure Laws Post Tyler v. Hennepin County
Last term, in Tyler v. Hennepin County, the Supreme Court ruled Minnesota’s tax lien foreclosure scheme unconstitutional, in violation of both the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause and the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause. Minnesota is one of twelve states, in addition to the District of Columbia, with tax lien foreclosure... More