Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally recognize "coercive control" as a form of abuse under existing domestic violence protections. It directly affects family members, household members, and former partners by expanding legal definitions to include behaviors such as isolating victims, monitoring their movements or communications, controlling finances, and threatening them regarding immigration status or animal cruelty. The legislation provides a clearer legal framework for courts to address patterns of intimidation and domination that may not fit traditional definitions of physical assault. By adding these specific actions to the list of prohibited behaviors, the bill aims to offer better legal recourse for individuals experiencing non-physical but harmful controlling tactics.
Rep. Michelle DuBois
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory educational diversion program for Massachusetts teens accused of sharing explicit images, commonly known as sexting. Instead of facing immediate court charges, eligible youth will be referred to a curriculum developed by the Child Advocate that explains legal penalties, potential social consequences, and the risks of online sharing. The program aims to divert these cases from the formal justice system by requiring participants to complete the educational course before any arraignment occurs, unless a judge determines that proceeding is necessary to prevent serious harm. Additionally, the bill encourages schools to teach media literacy skills and allows law enforcement officials to refer alleged offenders directly to this educational intervention.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "An Act relative to healthy youth," is a procedural measure that does not contain specific policy language or substantive provisions. Instead, it serves to formally introduce a legislative concept or topic for further discussion within the Massachusetts General Court. The text provided lists numerous legislators who have signed onto the petition but does not include the operative sections that would define how the state would support youth health. Consequently, the bill currently functions as a placeholder to initiate the legislative process rather than establishing concrete rules or programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of menstrual products sold in Massachusetts to list all intentionally added ingredients on the product packaging and their websites. The law defines menstrual products to include items like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear, and mandates that ingredient lists appear in at least 10-point font on the outside of the package. Manufacturers must update these labels and online disclosures within 12 months if a new ingredient is added or an existing one changes. Violations of these labeling requirements are punishable by a fine of $1,000, and the rules will take effect one year after the bill is passed.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to define disposable menstrual products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, within the state's education statutes. By adding this definition, the legislation provides a clear legal basis for schools to ensure these items are available to students who need them. The change directly affects educational institutions by clarifying the scope of products that should be accessible in school settings. This measure aims to improve access for menstruating students without altering existing funding or distribution requirements.
By Representative Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2225) of Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to enabling pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and, administer pre-exposure prophylaxis. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill, introduced by Representative James K. Hawkins, aims to update regulations regarding the use of pesticides in Massachusetts. It directly affects agricultural operations, pest control companies, and individuals who apply chemical treatments to manage insects or weeds. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards for pesticide application, storage, and disposal to ensure public safety and environmental protection. By modernizing existing rules, the bill intends to provide a more robust framework for managing chemical substances across the state.
By Representatives Nguyen of Andover and Shand of Newburyport, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3095) of Tram T. Nguyen, Dawne Shand and others for legislation to promote diversity on public boards and commissions. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific maximum fees that check-cashing businesses in Massachusetts can charge customers. It directly affects licensed check cashers and the individuals who use their services to convert checks into cash. The law sets different fee caps based on the type of check, such as limiting fees for government checks to 2.5 percent plus a one-dollar service charge and capping payroll check fees at 2.25 percent plus one dollar. Additionally, the bill prohibits businesses from charging more than five dollars to open a new customer account. These new limits will become active six months after the legislation is officially signed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to enhance the quality of long-term care in Massachusetts by creating two new programs under the Commonwealth Corporation. First, it establishes a grant program to fund training for nursing home supervisors and leaders, with the goal of improving staff satisfaction, keeping workers employed, and reducing turnover. Second, it authorizes the creation of an additional program, subject to future funding approval, to support further improvements in the long-term care sector. These changes directly affect nursing facilities and the employees who work within them by providing resources for professional development and operational stability.