Rep. Bud Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the automatic expungement of criminal records in Massachusetts to include past convictions for possession, cultivation, and distribution of small amounts of marijuana. It specifically targets offenses that were decriminalized by laws passed in 2008, 2016, and 2017, ensuring that individuals with these charges can have their records sealed. The legislation also establishes a process for individuals to petition the court for expungement if the court initially fails to do so, requiring the court to respond within 30 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts clear these specific records within 180 days of the law taking effect and requires the distribution of expungement orders to relevant state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts drug sentencing laws by removing mandatory minimum prison terms and replacing them with maximum fine limits. It directly affects individuals charged with drug offenses under specific state statutes by eliminating fixed jail time requirements. The key mechanism involves repealing existing prison sentence mandates and inserting new provisions that cap fines at amounts ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on the specific offense. These changes allow judges to determine appropriate penalties based on individual circumstances rather than enforcing strict minimum prison sentences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state program to provide financial compensation for victims of human trafficking who suffer a loss of income due to their enslavement. It creates a specific $25,000 award for these victims and removes the usual requirement to prove prior employment, recognizing that traffickers often prevent victims from working. The legislation also expands the types of evidence accepted to verify income loss and allows payments to cover up to five years of lost earnings, with additional provisions for compensating parents of minor victims in cases of hospitalization or death.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to help survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and involuntary sexual relations by allowing them to have certain criminal records expunged or sealed. It directly affects individuals who have been victims of these crimes and later faced legal charges related to their victimization. The law creates a specific category for offenses resulting from such victimization and establishes a rebuttable presumption that a defendant's actions were due to their trauma, though official documentation is not strictly required to apply. Judges will be able to consider credible evidence and testimony when deciding on petitions for relief, and the bill also adds a prohibition against making sealed or expunged records available for inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove criminal penalties for non-violent and verbal student misconduct by amending two sections of the Massachusetts General Laws regarding public disturbances and disorderly conduct. Specifically, it would prevent K-12 students from being charged, adjudicated, or convicted for violating these provisions when the behavior occurs within school buildings, on school grounds, or during school-related events. The legislation aims to shift the handling of such student behavior away from the criminal justice system, though it does not alter penalties for adults or for violent offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to strictly penalize individuals who intentionally and maliciously make false emergency calls or send false information to 911 centers. It defines specific terms such as "silent call" and "emergency" to clarify what constitutes a punishable offense, ensuring that automated data does not count as provided information. The legislation establishes a tiered penalty system where first-time offenders face misdemeanor charges with fines up to $200 or six months in jail, while repeat offenders or those whose false reports cause great bodily harm or death face felony charges with potential prison sentences of up to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces harsher misdemeanor penalties for false reports motivated by bigotry or bias that threaten a person's constitutional rights, requiring convicted individuals to complete a diversity awareness program.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines the process for sealing criminal and juvenile court records in Massachusetts by mandating that relevant agencies seal eligible records within 90 days of becoming eligible. It directly affects individuals with past criminal or delinquent records, as well as their legal representatives, by removing the requirement to obtain a separate court order to access these sealed documents. The legislation also clarifies that juvenile offenses include cases where the minor was charged as a youthful offender. By enforcing strict timelines and simplifying access procedures, the law aims to make the record sealing process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require police officers responding to domestic violence calls to inform victims about local shelters. The amendment specifically mandates that this information be provided in the victim's native language using translation services whenever possible. It directly affects law enforcement officers and individuals involved in domestic violence situations within the state. The change aims to improve access to resources for non-English speakers by ensuring communication barriers are addressed during initial police interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require individuals convicted of specific crimes against seniors or residents of senior housing to register annually with the office of probation for five years. The registration process involves submitting personal details such as address, physical description, and a photograph to create a central registry. Failure to comply with these registration requirements could result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study ways to increase racial diversity among judges in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 15 members, including representatives from various legislative caucuses, government agencies, and legal organizations, with a specific requirement that governor-appointed members reflect the state's population demographics regarding gender and race. The group is tasked with evaluating the current state of diversity in the judiciary, assessing the impact of potential legislative actions, and developing recommendations for improving representation. The commission must submit its findings and proposals by December 31, 2024, to state officials.