Maddy summaryHD 982 requires all Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like government offices or libraries) that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled after January 1, 2025, to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms. These stations must support up to 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, have adjustable height (17-38 inches), include safety rails, and be located in private or enclosed areas. The bill mandates clear signage for location and operation, and compliance with accessibility standards, while allowing exemptions for historic properties or if installation costs exceed $10,000. It directly affects state building owners and contractors planning new construction or renovations after 2025.
Rep. Chris Hendricks
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 261) of Jay D. Livingstone, Michael J. Finn and others relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a free "Blue Star Family" license plate or emblem for immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of police officers who died in the line of duty. The plate or emblem must be used on a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle owned and primarily used by that family member. The officer's death must meet the criteria for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. to qualify. The registrar issues these plates without charge upon presentation of proof of the officer's death.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3724) updates Massachusetts workers' compensation benefits for disfigurement injuries. It replaces a fixed $15,000 cap with a new formula: the maximum benefit equals 30 times the state's average wage on the injury date. It also removes the previous rule that excluded scar-based disfigurement unless it affected the face, neck, or hands. These changes directly affect workers in Massachusetts who suffer disfigurement from work-related injuries, expanding eligibility and adjusting benefit amounts based on current wage data.
Maddy summaryHD 220 amends Massachusetts workers' compensation law to adjust which body areas qualify for disfigurement benefits. It removes "or hands" from the coverage criteria and adds "distally to the elbows, or distally to the knees" to specify that scarring on limbs beyond the elbows or knees now qualifies. This change directly affects workers who suffer workplace injuries resulting in visible scarring on these specific limb areas. The bill modifies the existing benefit eligibility without creating new financial obligations or altering other compensation aspects. The amendment focuses solely on refining the scope of covered disfigurement injuries under current law.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for workers injured on the job by expanding anti-retaliation safeguards and clarifying employer responsibilities. It creates a rebuttable 90-day presumption that an employer violated anti-retaliation rules if they take adverse action (like firing or refusing to hire) against an employee within 90 days of that employee reporting an injury, seeking care, or assisting others with workplace injury claims. Employers must now post multilingual notices about retaliation protections and wage rights, and they must reimburse insurers for any additional compensation owed when they fail to pay required wages under workers' compensation laws. Workers who face retaliation can sue for triple damages, attorney fees, and other remedies, with a 3-year filing window that pauses if they first report the violation to the attorney general.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 657) updates Massachusetts' Paid Family Medical Leave Law to improve employer notification requirements and reporting. It requires employers to inform all employees (including contract workers) within 5 business days about their eligibility for paid leave, providing necessary forms and written details. The bill also mandates new detailed reporting by the state, including demographic data (age, race, gender, etc.) on claimants, processing times, benefit amounts, and outcomes of appeals. These changes aim to increase transparency and accessibility of the program for workers and employers.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' Paid Family Medical Leave Law by updating key definitions. It redefines a "covered business entity" as any business where 50% or more of its workforce consists of non-employee contractors (not classified as employees under Chapter 151A). It also redefines a "covered contract worker" as an individual not classified as an employee who requires employers to contribute to the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes directly affect businesses using significant contractor labor and those contract workers now eligible for the leave program. The bill adjusts the legal definitions to expand eligibility under the existing leave law, without changing benefit amounts or core program rules.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 152) of Joan B. Lovely and Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to preventing sexual abuse of children and youth by adults in positions of authority or trust. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryH 4831 requires all local, regional, and state public meetings to offer free, accessible remote participation and viewing. It mandates that remote attendees can vote, count toward quorum, and access meetings without fees or barriers - including captioning and disability accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public bodies must post meeting notices online 48 hours in advance (excluding holidays), and state meetings must be recorded and posted within 10 business days. The bill updates notice requirements for different government bodies and ensures remote access is available to all, including people with disabilities.