Rep. Sam Montaño

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to extend the time limits for filing lawsuits and criminal charges related to the sexual assault or rape of a child. Under the new rules, victims can bring civil rights claims within three years of the incident, while criminal charges for indecent assault or rape can be filed at any time if the victim was under 18 when the crime occurred. These changes directly affect survivors of childhood sexual abuse by allowing them more time to seek legal justice. The legislation removes previous restrictions that often prevented cases from being pursued years after the abuse happened.

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2326) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative to successful transitions and re-entries for incarcerated persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the time limit for survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in Massachusetts, allowing them to seek compensation regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. It also extends this right to sue negligent supervisors or employers who failed to prevent the abuse, provided there is proof of their negligence. The law applies to cases that happened before, during, or after the bill's passage, ensuring that past incidents are not barred by previous expiration dates.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the legal liability caps that currently protect organizations in civil lawsuits involving the abuse of minors in Massachusetts. Specifically, it amends state law to ensure that entities cannot limit the amount of money they must pay out if they are found liable for sexual or physical abuse of a child. The change directly affects any organization that might be sued for such abuse, requiring them to face full financial responsibility without statutory limits. By eliminating these caps, the legislation aims to ensure that victims of abuse can recover the full extent of damages awarded by a court.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within the Massachusetts Department of Education to help elementary and secondary schools develop STEM and robotics programs. The funding is intended to assist students in succeeding academically and preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Priority for grants will be given to schools that currently lack robotics clubs, specifically those located in rural and underserved counties such as Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes. To receive funding, schools must commit to running teams registered with recognized organizations like FIRST Robotics or VEX, and the state will provide technical assistance to help districts expand these programs.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2313) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to fire safety education in schools and colleges. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to prevent local municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units, such as backyard apartments, on single-family lots occupied by the owner. It requires cities and towns to allow these units as a standard right rather than mandating a special permit, thereby removing local restrictions that previously blocked their construction. Additionally, the legislation updates zoning amendment rules to streamline the approval process for multifamily housing and mixed-use developments in eligible areas. By centralizing these permitting standards, the bill aims to increase housing supply while limiting the ability of local governments to prohibit these specific types of residential additions.

By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2317) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to the establishment of the PFAS research and development public safety fund to be administered by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cities, towns, and political subdivisions in Massachusetts to reimburse the training costs of peace officers who are hired by another municipality within 12 months of completing their training. The reimbursement covers the total expense of the training, including any salary paid during the training period, unless a specific employment contract states otherwise. To qualify for this payment, the hiring entity must have documentation showing the officer signed an acknowledgment of terms or a contract that includes these reimbursement provisions. This policy aims to ensure that the entity providing the training is compensated when the officer is quickly employed by a different local government.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2314) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to unreasonable limits on in-person visitation of inmates. Public Safety and Homeland Security.