Rep. Hannah Kane

Maddy summaryHD 1301 prohibits installing or using location-tracking devices in motor vehicles without the consent of the driver and all passengers. Exceptions include law enforcement using devices during investigations under legal protocols, parents monitoring minor children in vehicles they own, businesses tracking their own company vehicles, and recovering stolen vehicles with police notice. The law defines "electronic mobile tracking devices" as tools that reveal location via phone or computer. It explicitly excludes manufacturer-installed systems, rental company tracking with permission, and insurance company monitoring with consent. Violations are punishable under existing criminal harassment laws.

Maddy summaryHD 1309 (An Act to ban phishing) makes it a crime to impersonate a legitimate business via email, web pages, or online services with intent to steal payment details or personal information. It directly affects individuals or groups committing phishing scams, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 fines, 2.5 years in jail, or both. The law defines key terms like "electronic mail message" and targets unauthorized attempts to obtain sensitive data through deceptive digital communications. This bill creates new criminal liability for specific phishing tactics under Massachusetts law (adding Section 37F to Chapter 266).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the Board of Probation to inform enrolled victims about specific sex offender details upon request. Victims who have joined the Board's victim services unit will receive the offender's final classification and addresses (home, secondary, work, and school). The provision directly affects victims who are enrolled in the services unit, adding a specific notification requirement to existing processes. It does not change offender classification standards or create new penalties, only clarifying victim notification procedures.

Maddy summaryHD 1334 removes state-funded legal representation for indigent individuals in sex offender classification hearings. The bill amends Chapter 6, Section 178L of the General Laws to eliminate provisions requiring the board or court to appoint counsel for those deemed indigent under Chapter 211D standards. It replaces language guaranteeing "the right to have counsel appointed" with only the right to "retain counsel," meaning offenders must pay for their own attorney. This directly affects low-income individuals facing administrative sex offender classification decisions. The change removes both the obligation to provide state-appointed counsel and the requirement to inform offenders of this right.

Maddy summaryHD 1348, titled "An Act protecting children from domestic violence," increases penalties for assault committed within a dwelling in the presence of a child under 16. It makes such acts punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, 2.5 years in house of correction, or a $5,000 fine. The bill also requires law enforcement filing charges to notify the Department of Social Services, which may use the information at its discretion. This directly affects children under 16 exposed to domestic violence in homes and holds perpetrators to stricter standards.

Maddy summaryHD 1333 requires anyone with care of a child under 14 (including parents, guardians, or childcare staff) to report a deceased child to law enforcement within 2 hours or a missing child within 5 days. Failure to report under these circumstances - when there is intent to mislead officials, impede an investigation, or actually obstruct one - triggers criminal penalties. Offenders face up to 10 years in state prison or 2.5 years in a house of correction for either violation. The bill directly affects caregivers in homes, institutions, or families responsible for children under 14, aiming to ensure timely reporting of critical incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a separate criminal offense for causing death or bodily injury to a fetus (defined as "child in utero" at any developmental stage) through acts that would otherwise violate laws like assault. It directly affects individuals whose criminal conduct results in fetal harm, such as in cases of domestic violence or accidents. The key mechanism sets the punishment for this offense equal to what would apply if the injury occurred to the pregnant person, and it explicitly excludes prosecution for legal abortions, medical treatments for the pregnant person or fetus, or actions taken by the pregnant person themselves. The law clarifies that intent to harm the fetus or knowledge of pregnancy is not required for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for assaulting corrections officers and Department of Corrections staff while they're performing their duties. It mandates a minimum 1-year prison sentence (not less than 1 year) for anyone causing serious bodily injury to these workers through assault, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000. The law prohibits probation, parole, sentence reductions, or early release until the mandatory minimum term is served, and defines "serious bodily injury" as permanent disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or substantial risk of death. The bill directly affects corrections officers (who gain enhanced legal protection) and individuals convicted of such assaults (who face stricter sentencing).

Maddy summaryHD 3780 creates a new court-approved community-based treatment program for adults with severe mental illness who are at high risk of harm to themselves or others due to treatment non-adherence. It establishes a "critical community mental health service treatment plan" requiring court approval as the least restrictive alternative to hospitalization, targeting individuals who are "gravely disabled" (unable to meet basic needs safely due to mental illness) and have a history of repeated hospitalizations or violent behavior. The plan must include supervision, medication, and assistance with basic needs like housing and employment, with initial court orders limited to 180 days (renewable up to 365 days). This bill directly affects eligible individuals with severe mental illness and their care providers, shifting focus from inpatient commitment to structured community care under judicial oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 465 (Halo Act) protects first responders by making it illegal to interfere with their work during emergencies. The bill defines "first responder" broadly to include police, firefighters, EMTs (paid, volunteer, or reserve), and others providing emergency assistance. It prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after they've given a verbal warning not to approach, if the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them, or cause distress. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $5,000 or one year in jail for repeat offenses.