Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand access to medical parole for incarcerated individuals by updating the definitions of permanent incapacitation and terminal illness. It requires correctional facilities to consider parole requests from prisoners, attorneys, family members, or medical providers, with a strict timeline for reviewing these petitions. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Correction identify cognitively incapacitated prisoners through annual standardized assessments and allows them to choose a surrogate decision-maker to advocate on their behalf. Additionally, the bill ensures that risk assessments for violent recidivism account for a prisoner's medical condition and considers whether community-based treatment could reduce that risk.
Rep. Bud Williams
Sponsored bills
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2948) of Adam Scanlon and others relative to establishing a tax credit for veterans' license plates. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt low-income veterans from paying excise taxes on one personal motor vehicle in Massachusetts. To qualify, a veteran must have an annual income at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level and must own or lease the vehicle for noncommercial use. Once an assessor grants this exemption, the veteran does not need to reapply in future years unless their income or vehicle ownership status changes. The legislation directly affects veterans who meet these specific financial and ownership criteria, relieving them of a specific vehicle registration fee.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3312) of Carole A. Fiola and others relative to distinctive registration plates for the spouses of veterans. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect historic neighborhoods in Massachusetts from the negative impacts of foreclosure by creating a new Historic District Stabilization Committee. The committee would be formed upon request from local community organizations and would include a diverse group of stakeholders, such as residents, real estate brokers, bankers, contractors, and housing counselors. Once established, this committee would be authorized to develop strategies to stabilize these communities and prevent further property abandonment or demolition. The legislation focuses on establishing this collaborative body to address the specific challenges faced by historic districts without dictating specific financial interventions.
By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3327) of Carlos González, Bud L. Williams and Brian M. Ashe for legislation to authorize sheriffs and members of sheriffs departments to issue traffic citations. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts traffic laws to clarify that small items hanging from a vehicle's rearview mirror do not automatically violate obstruction rules. The change directly affects drivers who use rearview mirrors to hold small objects, such as air fresheners or sunglasses, without fear of a citation. By adding a specific exemption, the legislation removes the ambiguity that previously allowed officers to issue tickets for these common accessories. The text explicitly states that the presence of one or more small items in this location does not constitute a violation on its own.
By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3941) of Mike Connolly and Bud L. Williams for legislation to authorize supplemental financing of housing first programs, state public housing renovations, and other housing programs and to make related changes in certain laws. Housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to choose whether to implement rent control and eviction protections for residents in their communities. If a municipality opts in, it must pass local rules that cap how much landlords can raise rents each year and ensure evictions only happen for specific, justified reasons like non-payment or lease violations. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, properties already regulated by other agencies, college dorms, and elderly care facilities. Local governments would have the option to adopt these measures through various methods, including ordinances or binding votes by their residents.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new state-wide Office of Youth Development within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to support young people aged seven to eighteen. The office would launch pilot programs in seven cities, including Boston and Springfield, offering year-round activities outside of school hours to help prevent issues like violence, drug abuse, and teen pregnancy. These programs would be run by community health centers and focus on building practical skills, promoting positive behavior, and connecting youth with job opportunities. A dedicated state fund would be established to finance the initiative for at least five years, with Springfield designated as one of the first locations to receive services.