Rep. Kay Khan

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nicky's Law to broaden the legal definition of "employer" for entities providing MassHealth day habilitation services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. By expanding the criteria to include organizations operating under specific department contracts, funding, or licenses, the legislation ensures these service providers are covered under existing employment protections. The change directly affects the organizations delivering these day programs and the staff who work within them, aiming to clarify their status under current state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the official name of a state agency from the "disabled persons protection commission" to the "commission for the protection of persons with disabilities" to reflect more inclusive language. The legislation directly affects the agency's legal standing and its interactions with individuals and organizations by amending multiple sections of state law. It also clarifies key definitions used in investigations, such as specifying who counts as a "caretaker" and listing various professionals who must report suspected abuse. These changes aim to modernize terminology and ensure consistent definitions for protecting people with disabilities without altering the core investigative functions of the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to help low-income families in Massachusetts afford diapers for infants and young children. It establishes a new trust fund managed by the Department of Public Health, which will be financed through state appropriations, interest, and unrestricted private donations. The Department of Public Health will select up to 12 organizations across the state to receive funding for purchasing, storing, and distributing diapers, with limits on how many grants are awarded to specific geographic regions. The program is designed to run for a set period, after which the department must submit a report to the legislature detailing the results.

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2218) of Kay Khan and others relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow unaccompanied homeless youth between the ages of 15 and 18 to consent to their own shelter and supportive services without parental permission. It defines eligible services as resources for housing, education, employment, and emotional well-being, while specifying that a youth qualifies if they lack a fixed residence or face significant danger of homelessness. To access these services, a service provider must reasonably believe the minor understands the benefits, risks, and rules of the program and that the assistance is necessary for their safety. The legislation also permits a minor parent to consent to services for their own child under the same conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily living tasks to qualify for the Personal Care Attendant program. Specifically, it directs the Division of Medical Assistance to update its regulations so that people requiring assistance with two or more activities of daily living are considered eligible for PCA services. The change ensures that those who need guidance or oversight while completing routine tasks can receive support through the state's existing personal care system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Outdoor Recreation Program in Massachusetts to support recreational activities and conservation projects. It creates a dedicated trust fund that automatically receives all state sales tax revenue generated from sporting goods stores, ensuring these funds remain separate from the general budget. The program is designed to provide grants for trails, parks, and nature-based initiatives while prioritizing access for underserved communities, including rural residents and people of color. Additionally, the legislation defines specific terms related to equity and recreational use to guide the program's implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers and retailers in Massachusetts to clearly label certain disposable wipes with a "Do Not Flush" warning to protect wastewater and sewer systems. The law defines covered products as baby wipes and other bathroom cleaning items made with petrochemical fibers that are likely to be flushed down a toilet. Starting July 1, 2025, these products must display a high-contrast symbol and text on the front of the package, with the warning taking up at least 2% of the main display area. The legislation aims to prevent plumbing damage by ensuring consumers are visibly informed that these specific wipes should not be disposed of in toilets.