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 requires manufacturers and sellers of certain disposable wipes in Massachusetts to clearly label them with a "Do Not Flush" warning. The law specifically targets baby wipes and other cleaning or personal care wipes made with petrochemical fibers that could clog sewer systems. To ensure the warning is visible, the bill mandates that the label be printed in high contrast on the main part of the package using a specific symbol. This measure aims to protect wastewater infrastructure by informing consumers not to dispose of these products in toilets.
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 three new grant programs to support Massachusetts businesses, research institutions, and schools in developing a sustainable blue economy. The Department of Environmental Protection will offer funding to small businesses that keep materials in circulation for longer, while the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs will fund research and technology development aimed at improving ocean health. Additionally, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will create a fund to help high schools expand training and job placement programs in ocean-related science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics fields. The legislation requires all grant recipients to demonstrate measurable economic benefits to the state and prioritizes applications from minority-owned, women-owned, and environmental justice-focused organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to provide cash and nutritional aid to immigrant residents who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States. It specifically targets children, pregnant women, and caretaker adults by allowing them to receive cash assistance and related benefits under Chapter 118, as well as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, regardless of their immigration status or citizenship. The legislation removes existing immigration-related barriers that currently prevent these individuals from accessing these specific state-funded programs. All benefits under the new section must be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as those given to other eligible residents, pending future state funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals with eviction records to have those records sealed under specific conditions, aiming to help people secure future housing. It defines key terms such as "eviction action" and "no-fault eviction" to clarify which cases are eligible for sealing, while also establishing rules for how consumer reporting agencies and courts must handle these records. The legislation requires that sealed eviction records be treated as if they never existed for the purpose of rental applications and credit checks, thereby removing barriers to housing for tenants who have faced past evictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to create a comprehensive plan for regulating facial recognition technology across the state. It defines key terms like "facial recognition" and "biometric surveillance technology" to ensure clarity in future rules. The legislation requires the Attorney General to submit a report outlining how the state will manage the use of these technologies by public and private entities. Ultimately, the bill aims to establish a formal framework for oversight rather than immediately banning or mandating specific uses.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve legal support and housing security for people facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. It creates a new advisory committee to oversee the program and defines specific legal actions, such as those involving mobile home parks or public housing, as "covered proceedings." The legislation designates non-profit organizations to provide legal counsel to individuals involved in these housing-related cases. By formalizing this support system, the bill aims to ensure that tenants have access to legal representation when their housing stability is at risk.
