Order relative to authorizing the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, incarcerated persons and other public safety and homeland security issues
This bill establishes a formal legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily enter into written agreements with trusted supporters to help them make life decisions without losing their legal autonomy. It mandates that the state create a training program for supporters and decision-makers covering their rights, obligations, and dispute resolution processes. Additionally, the bill requires schools to inform students with disabilities and their families about this option as an alternative to guardianship when the students turn sixteen. By adding supported decision-making agreements to existing guardianship laws, the legislation aims to provide a flexible, self-determined way for adults to receive assistance while retaining control over their own lives.
This bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to enter into supported decision-making agreements as an alternative to traditional guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters and decision-makers and mandates that schools inform students with disabilities about this option when they turn sixteen. The legislation defines the roles of supporters and decision-makers, outlines the rights and obligations of each party, and establishes rules for dispute resolution while ensuring the decision-maker retains full control over their life choices.
Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1166) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna, Brian M. Ashe, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1919) of Joseph D. McKenna, Ryan C. Fattman and others relative to employment protections for domestic violence victims, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2479).
Senate, August 8, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 982) of Cindy F. Friedman, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to treatment, not imprisonment; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1391) of Ruth B. Balser and others relative to court considerations of persons having alcohol or substance use disorders and needing treatment, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2927).
This bill strengthens safety and justice measures by expanding access to social services for indigent defendants and improving compensation for those convicted of crimes in error. It requires the state to connect eligible clients with vendors for post-release support and lowers the legal standard of proof for wrongful conviction claims from "clear and convincing" to "a preponderance of the evidence." The legislation also establishes specific monetary caps for damages awarded to claimants, authorizes courts to order expungement of criminal records for erroneous convictions, and introduces stricter penalties for tampering with GPS monitoring devices used during probation or parole. Additionally, it updates the criteria for pretrial detention to include certain repeat offenses and violations of specific protective orders.
This bill updates salary figures for various positions within the Massachusetts judicial branch and related state agencies. It directly affects judges, court staff, and other employees by increasing their base pay and pension contributions from 81.57% to 84.57% of their salary. Additionally, the legislation raises specific annual salary caps for certain roles from $232,101 to $242,101 and adjusts other compensation limits by $10,000. These changes are designed to improve financial equity for judicial workers and will take effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill encourages food donations by offering a tax credit of up to $25,000 annually to businesses that donate food to nonprofit organizations serving people in need. It also provides legal protections for donors and nonprofits by shielding them from civil liability if donated food causes injury, even if the food is past its expiration date, provided it was not handled with gross negligence. To claim the tax credit, businesses must submit a certification from the receiving nonprofit confirming the food was distributed without charge or only to cover handling costs. The legislation applies to farms, restaurants, and grocery stores within the state and requires that all donations comply with existing health and safety regulations.
This bill regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products in Massachusetts by requiring retailers to follow specific safety and labeling rules. It directly affects businesses that sell kratom, mandating that products include clear ingredient lists, manufacturer information, and usage directions on their labels. The law also prohibits retailers from selling products adulterated with dangerous substances, contaminated with controlled substances, or containing synthetic alkaloids, while banning sales to anyone under 18 years old. Retailers who violate these rules face administrative fines, with higher penalties for selling to minors, and the Department of Public Health is tasked with creating additional regulations for enforcement.
Senate, July 3, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 313) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 916) of William N. Brownsberger and Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to governmental and charitable tort liability; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1038) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to eliminate the statute of limitation in civil child sexual abuse cases; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1039) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to amend the statute of limitations regarding criminal prosecutions for the crimes of sexual assault and rape of a child; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1446) of Michael S. Day relative to eliminating liability limits for abuse of minors; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1536) of Kenneth I. Gordon relative to the statute of limitations relating to civil rights actions and criminal prosecutions for the sexual assault and rape of a child; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1614) of John J. Lawn, Jr., Carol A. Doherty and Vanna Howard for legislation to eliminate the statute of limitation in civil child sexual abuse cases, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2853).
Senate, July 29, 2024 - The committee on Ways and Means to whom was referred House Bill to ensure legal parentage equality (House, No. 4750); reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of Senate document numbered 2906.
This bill authorizes the state Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to transfer two specific parcels of land to the town of Tewksbury. One parcel, measuring approximately 11 acres, is designated for use as a cemetery, while the second, smaller parcel of about half an acre, is intended for recreational purposes. The legislation allows the state to make minor adjustments to the land boundaries before the transfer is finalized and requires the commissioner to determine fair market values for both properties. If the final sale price is lower than the calculated fair market value, the commissioner must publicly record the transaction details and the difference in value.
