By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3393) of Steven Owens, Manny Cruz and others relative to automated motor vehicle sensor devices that produce digital photographs of motor vehicles committing camera-enforceable violations. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to create a program that researches, develops, and commercializes new technologies to treat mental illness and brain-based disorders. To support this initiative, the legislation establishes a dedicated Mental Health and Innovation Fund that can accept money from various sources, including private gifts and investment income, without needing annual state appropriation. The bill also creates an oversight committee made up of state officials and appointed experts to guide the program and ensure proper management of the fund.
By Representative Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2352) of Meghan Kilcoyne and Paul McMurtry relative to definitions under the emergency medical services system law. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Senate, June 29, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 185) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to advancing the profession of interior design; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 315) of Patricia A. Haddad and others relative to registered interior designers, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2408).
Senate, June 6, 23024 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 71) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to minimize trauma to children and families; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 80) of Ryan C. Fattman, Diana Dizoglio, Kay Khan, David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and other members of the General Court for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 120) of Susan L. Moran, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to eliminate disproportionality and inequities for at-risk children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 124) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Michael J. Finn, Lydia Edwards, Patrick M. O'Connor and others for legislation to enhance child welfare protections; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 153) of Paul J. Donato and others that the Child Advocate report on disproportionality and inequity in services provided by child-serving state entities; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 156) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier and others relative to the powers of the Child Advocate to appear, intervene in or bring actions on behalf the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 165) of Michael J. Finn and others relative to the appointment of an education manager to support educational stability and success for elementary and secondary school students under the care of the Department of Children and Families; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 175) of Denise C. Garlick and Patrick Joseph Kearney for legislation to provide educational stability for vulnerable children; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 190) of Kay Khan, David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others for legislation to authorize the Department of Children and Families to establish an electronic repository of foster youths educational records; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 195) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Bud L. Williams and Vanna Howard relative to educational support for children in foster care; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 204) of Joan Meschino and others relative to minimizing trauma to court-involved children and families, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2804).
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing system for commercial interior designers in Massachusetts by establishing a state board to oversee registration and a selection board to review government design projects. The legislation defines the specific scope of work that interior designers can perform independently, such as designing interior spaces without altering core structural elements or major safety systems. It sets out requirements for board membership, including experience levels and appointment terms, while also outlining the qualifications needed for individuals to obtain a two-year registration license.
Senate, June 6,2024 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 68) of Joanne M. Comerford, Sean Garballey and Vanna Howard for legislation to establish a bill of rights for children in foster care; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 164) of Michael J. Finn and others relative to establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2803).
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow specific low-stakes card and chance games at municipal and town senior centers. It defines "recreational games" as activities where individual winnings do not exceed $20, player contributions are $5 or less, and no one profits from organizing the event. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply only to senior centers and does not authorize the arrest or prosecution of people hosting or playing in such games in public or private settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for anyone who assaults a corrections officer or Department of Corrections staff member while they are working, specifically when the attack causes serious bodily injury. Under the new provisions, offenders face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year in state prison or up to two and a half years in a house of correction, along with a fine between $500 and $10,000. The legislation also restricts post-conviction relief by prohibiting suspended sentences, probation, parole, work release, furloughs, and good conduct time deductions until the mandatory minimum term is served. These changes apply strictly to cases resulting in serious bodily injury, defined as permanent disfigurement, significant loss of function, or substantial risk of death.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protections against harassment and discrimination in Massachusetts by adding height to the list of protected characteristics in various state laws. It specifically amends statutes related to hate crimes, employment, housing, and public accommodations to ensure that bias based on a person's height is treated similarly to discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. Additionally, the legislation introduces new criminal penalties for photographing or videotaping individuals with disabilities or height-based differences without consent for the purpose of harassment. By making these changes, the bill aims to provide broader recourse for individuals who face unfair treatment or intimidation due to their stature.
