Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to create supported decision-making agreements, allowing them to choose trusted individuals to help them make life decisions while retaining full control over their own choices. The law defines supporters as people who assist with understanding information, communicating decisions, and accessing records regarding medical, financial, and personal matters, all with the explicit consent of the person making the decisions. Key provisions ensure that the decision-maker can enter into or end these agreements at any time without coercion and that supporters cannot override the decision-maker's self-determination. By adding this new section to the state's probate code, the legislation provides a formal legal framework for individuals to receive support without needing to appoint a guardian.
Rep. Brian Murray
Sponsored bills
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to salary range transparency (House, No. 4109), reports, in part, recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4890).
By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3045) of Natalie M. Higgins, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others relative to the renewal of certain licenses after default on student loans. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction contractors and subcontractors in Massachusetts to hire apprentices from state-approved programs on specific building projects. Under the new rules, these companies must have an active apprenticeship program and employ apprentices throughout the duration of the contract, with a new requirement effective in 2025 that the program must have successfully trained at least three apprentices to journey worker status in the past five years. Contractors must also submit proof of compliance and identify their apprenticeship program to the Attorney General within 45 days after a contract is awarded. The law applies to contracts issued more than 90 days after the bill takes effect and covers a wide range of construction, maintenance, and repair work.
May 2, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1142) of John C. Velis, Patrick M. O'Connor, Jack Patrick Lewis, Steven George Xiarhos and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1718) of Edward R. Philips, Jessica Ann Giannino and others for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals and establishing a task force to complete a systematic review of the laws pertaining to animal cruelty and protection, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2757).
By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3245) of Carole A. Fiola, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover specific breast cancer screening and diagnostic tests, such as digital breast tomosynthesis and breast MRI, on the same terms as standard mammograms. It directly affects employees of the state, Medicaid beneficiaries, and individuals with private insurance policies by mandating equal coverage and prohibiting higher out-of-pocket costs for these advanced tests. The legislation also creates an exception for high-deductible health plans to maintain their tax-advantaged status, provided they still cover preventive care as defined by federal guidelines. By amending state laws governing the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, and private insurance, the bill aims to expand access to early detection tools for breast cancer.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for commercial kennels and dog daycares by establishing a dedicated fund to support efforts in reducing homeless animal populations. It requires kennel owners to obtain a license before operating and mandates that these facilities pass an inspection by an animal control officer before the license is issued or renewed. The legislation also empowers local officials to inspect kennels at least once a year and creates a process for citizens to petition for hearings if they believe a kennel is causing a nuisance through excessive barking or other conditions. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create detailed regulations covering facility requirements, staff training, and safety protocols for businesses that board or train dogs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired police officers in Milford who would normally retire at age 65 to continue working as special officers until they turn 70. To qualify, these officers must remain mentally and physically fit, and the town may require a medical exam at the officer's own expense to verify their ability to perform duties. The legislation also ensures that no retirement deductions are taken from their pay once they reach age 65 while they are serving in this special capacity.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs that a portion of fines and fees collected from individuals convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of substances be deposited into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. Specifically, it requires $50 of each fine under one section to go to the fund and increases an existing assessment for DUI-related offenses from $50 to $100, with 100% of that new amount funding the trust. Additionally, the legislation mandates that 75% of fines collected under several other specific subsections of the same law be transferred to the trust fund. These changes directly affect courts and the state treasurer, who must now route these specific financial collections to support head injury treatment services rather than general state revenue.