Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to create supported decision-making agreements, allowing them to choose trusted individuals to help them make life decisions while retaining full control over their own choices. The law defines supporters as people who assist with understanding information, communicating decisions, and accessing records regarding medical, financial, and personal matters, all with the explicit consent of the person making the decisions. Key provisions ensure that the decision-maker can enter into or end these agreements at any time without coercion and that supporters cannot override the decision-maker's self-determination. By adding this new section to the state's probate code, the legislation provides a formal legal framework for individuals to receive support without needing to appoint a guardian.
Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid
Sponsored bills
Senate, June 27, 2024 - New draft (Senator Timilty) to Senate Bill authorizing the town of Milton to use certain property for school purposes (Senate, No. 2549).
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to salary range transparency (House, No. 4109), reports, in part, recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4890).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires covered employers in Massachusetts to submit detailed wage data reports alongside their existing annual reports to the state secretary. The state secretary will then compile this information and publish aggregate wage statistics on the executive office of labor and workforce development website, organized by industry and released annually by June 1. While the bill mandates the collection and public release of these aggregate statistics, it explicitly excludes the individual wage data reports from being considered public records, thereby protecting specific employer information from public disclosure.
By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2823) of James K. Hawkins, David F. DeCoste and Brandy Fluker Oakley for legislation to provide municipalities with the option to freeze residential tax rate or valuation for the elderly with means tested criteria. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Green Infrastructure Fund in Massachusetts to support clean energy projects and workforce training. The fund will be managed by the state's energy and environmental affairs secretary and will receive money from specific carbon pricing mechanisms after lower-income households receive their share of the revenue. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for environmental justice groups and income levels to ensure fair distribution of benefits. By setting up this dedicated financial pool, the act aims to direct state resources toward green infrastructure while protecting government operations from using those funds.
By Representatives Lewis of Framingham and Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3186) of Jack Patrick Lewis, Joan Meschino and others for legislation to include miniatures, so-called, in the bottle deposit law. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Timilty, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2549) of Walter F. Timilty (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Milton to use certain property for school purposes. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program within the Department of Mental Health to support nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. The funding is intended to help these organizations train their staff in behavioral health and expand supportive services for communities frequently targeted by bias. Grants can be used for specific initiatives such as mental health first aid training, culturally responsive referral systems, and community education to reduce stigma. The program requires that grants be distributed equitably across the state and aligned with recent hate crime data, with a final report on the program's performance due six months after the first grants are issued.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of eight appointed members, including licensed midwives with significant experience, a physician, a nurse-midwife, and a public representative, with specific requirements for members to address racial disparities in maternal health. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Board of Allied Health Professions that includes representatives from various health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lactation consulting. The bill also expands the legal definition of "licensed midwife" to allow them to issue prescriptions and grants local health agencies the authority to conduct in-depth reviews of fetal and infant deaths to improve community health services.