Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, eliminating the need for individuals to file petitions. It requires correctional facilities to report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who then automatically seals eligible records after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 for felonies), excluding sex offenses, certain drug violations, and other specified crimes. The commissioner must seal records within 30 days of eligibility, provide clear notices to affected individuals at sentencing, and allow access to sealed records without court orders upon request. It directly affects people with past convictions who meet the waiting periods and criminal justice agencies responsible for record management.
Rep. Dan Cahill
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill revises Massachusetts social work licensure laws to remove gendered language (changing "he" to "they") and streamline requirements. It creates a provisional license pathway for applicants who repeatedly fail the social work associate exam, requiring professional development and specific documentation like case analyses instead of retaking the test. The bill also establishes a commission to study whether child welfare workers at the Department of Children and Families need social work licensure or a new certification that reduces barriers for underrepresented communities. The commission will examine certification alternatives that avoid biased testing and ensure equitable access.
Maddy summaryH 1683 (An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors) creates new services and legal support for individuals who have experienced the sex trade. The bill directly affects survivors by establishing trauma-informed assistance programs and expanding access to legal aid for those navigating criminal justice involvement related to their survival. Key provisions include mandatory training for law enforcement on survivor-centered approaches and funding for community-based organizations providing housing, counseling, and advocacy. The legislation aims to improve safety and outcomes for survivors through concrete, service-focused policy changes.
By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 330) of Daniel Cahill relative to the sale and purchase of adult-use products. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 481) of Daniel Cahill for legislation to further regulate category 2 sports wagering licenses. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
Maddy summaryHD 1243 requires private gas and distribution companies to increase transparency when awarding construction contracts over $100,000 for work on public ways. Companies must notify all qualified bidders within two business days of their decision, including the award criteria, bidder score, and winning amount. They must also post the contractor name, project location, and work duration on their website. This applies to all such contracts except single-bid situations or when disclosure would harm law enforcement, public interest, or commercial interests. The state department enforces these requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to include tobacco products subject to specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) orders under federal law. It updates Chapter 270, Section 28(b) by adding language after "consumption" to cover products regulated by FDA orders under U.S.C. chapters 387j or 387k(g). The change directly affects tobacco products that fall under these federal FDA regulatory actions. The bill is procedural, aligning state law with current federal tobacco product oversight without creating new state regulations.
By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1108) of Daniel Cahill for legislation to establish portable benefit accounts for app-based-delivery drivers. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryHD 2692 establishes a new licensing system for "shared equity investments" in Massachusetts, requiring investors to obtain a license from the Commissioner of Banks before offering these deals. It defines a "shared equity investment" as a non-recourse transaction where an investor provides funds for an ownership stake in a home (not a loan), with key terms like "agreed home value" and "annualized cost" clarified in the bill. Exemptions include small-scale investors (making 12 or fewer deals yearly), banks, and certain nonprofits. This law directly affects shared equity investors and homeowners by creating standardized, regulated terms for these transactions.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public dashboard showing how residential energy bills are calculated, including detailed breakdowns of charges from gas and electric companies and explanations of each bill component. It requires energy companies to submit quarterly reports on rates, customer data, and clean energy program costs, and mandates the dashboard include analysis of benefits like reduced emissions, system reliability, and avoided energy costs. The bill also requires utilities to return 70% of certain clean energy payments directly to ratepayers through annual bill credits. These changes apply to Massachusetts residential electricity and gas customers and affect all energy companies operating in the state.