Rep. Sam Montaño

Maddy summaryThis bill allows law enforcement to hospitalize individuals who are violent or pose a serious risk of physical harm to others for up to 72 hours based on a statement from someone in reasonable fear of such behavior. It mandates that these individuals receive legal counsel and an emergency hearing, and it requires them to undergo at least three days of supervision after release, which can be conducted in person or via video conference by a licensed social worker or mental health professional. Additionally, the bill requires hospitals to share medical information with supervising social workers and grants those workers the authority to petition for expedited readmission if a patient relapses or becomes non-compliant with treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand in-state tuition eligibility at Massachusetts public colleges and universities to individuals who attended and graduated from a high school in the state for at least three years, regardless of their immigration status. To qualify, applicants must meet specific documentation requirements, such as registering for military selective service if applicable, providing a valid social security number or tax identification number, filing state income tax returns annually, and submitting a sworn affidavit if they are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The legislation aims to ensure that long-term residents who have completed their secondary education in Massachusetts pay the same tuition rates as citizens, while excluding nonimmigrant aliens under specific federal definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to allow first responders, such as police and firefighters, to provide naloxone and instructions for its use to anyone at risk of an opioid overdose based on their professional judgment. It also grants legal protection to individuals who, in good faith, use testing equipment like fentanyl strips to check the purity of drugs, shielding them from charges related to possession or paraphernalia. Additionally, the legislation mandates that standard first aid training include specific instruction on how to administer naloxone to address opioid emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities in Massachusetts to create and publish clear policies on how sexual misconduct allegations are recorded on student transcripts. It mandates that schools place a temporary note on a student's record while an investigation is ongoing and add a permanent note if the student is found responsible for a crime of violence such as sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking. The law also ensures that if a student is later cleared of these allegations, the notation must be removed from their academic record. Additionally, institutions must inform students in advance that such disciplinary actions will appear on their transcripts and submit annual reports to the state department of higher education.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to waive all tuition and mandatory fees for students who graduate from the Brockton public school district and enroll in Massasoit Community College. The policy applies specifically to these graduates upon their enrollment in at least one class at the college, ensuring they do not pay standard charges during their studies. While the bill grants the college board authority to create guidelines for administering this waiver, it does not extend this benefit to students from other districts or institutions.

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 strengthen protections against discrimination by government entities. It establishes clear definitions for key terms such as age, disability, and familial status, while also introducing the concept of "discriminatory effect" to cover policies that disproportionately harm protected groups even without intentional bias. The legislation requires government programs to provide a legally sufficient justification, which must be narrowly tailored and supported by concrete evidence, to avoid being found discriminatory. These changes aim to make it easier for individuals to challenge unfair government actions and ensure that policies do not inadvertently exclude or disadvantage people based on their characteristics.