MA S943

Prohibits all Massachusetts higher education institutions (public and private) from using legacy preferences (based on family relationship to alumni) or donor preferences (based on family relationship to financial supporters) in admissions decisions

Public institutions face an outright ban with no specified monetary penalty, while private degree-granting institutions face fines based on net investment income: 1.4% for first offense, 2.8% for second offense, and 2.8% plus loss of tax-exempt status for 5+ years for third or subsequent offenses

Institutions may still collect information about applicants' relationships to alumni and donors for data collection purposes only

Fines collected from violations would be deposited into the Education and Transportation Trust Fund

Takes effect beginning with admissions decisions for the 2026-2027 academic year