Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called drug-induced homicide, which allows prosecutors to charge individuals with up to life in prison if they knowingly distribute Class A controlled substances that result in a death. It includes a provision protecting people from prosecution if they seek medical help for an overdose in good faith without intent to defraud. The legislation also establishes a permanent commission made up of government officials, legal experts, and community members to oversee the law's implementation, review convictions, and ensure sentencing remains flexible without mandatory minimums. This commission will meet regularly to assess the law's effectiveness and provide recommendations for improvements to the governor and other state leaders.
Rep. Jessica Giannino
Sponsored bills
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James J. O'Day relative to the mental well-being of new mothers facing criminal charges. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to officially adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The change updates Chapter 151B to clarify that the term refers to hatred toward Jews and includes specific descriptions of how such hatred can be expressed through rhetoric or actions against individuals, property, and community institutions. By incorporating this external standard, the legislation provides a consistent framework for identifying antisemitism within the state's legal and administrative contexts.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail businesses and quick-service restaurants in Massachusetts that operate more than one self-checkout station to offer a 25% discount on all purchases made at those stations. The legislation defines covered establishments to include grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations, while specifically defining self-checkout areas as spots where customers scan and bag their own items without interacting with a cashier. By mandating this discount, the measure aims to encourage the use of human cashiers and protect workers from potential forced labor situations associated with automated checkout systems.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands health insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for women. It mandates that insurance plans cover baseline mammograms for women aged 35 to 40 and annual mammograms for those 40 and older, while also providing earlier screenings for younger women with specific risk factors like family history or dense breast tissue. The legislation requires coverage for advanced imaging options, such as ultrasound and MRI, when medically necessary due to abnormalities or high-risk conditions, and ensures these services are free of co-pays, deductibles, or dollar limits.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of the State Climatologist within the University of Massachusetts system to provide independent climate data and research for the Commonwealth. The office will be led by a state climatologist appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, who serves a five-year term and is responsible for gathering climate data, conducting research, and advising state and local governments on climate implications. It also mandates coordination with federal agencies like NOAA and the USDA, while requiring the office to educate the public and maintain connections with academic and scientific institutions. Funding for the new office will come from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Mahoney of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2374) of John J. Mahoney relative to establishing a board of hoisting machinery regulations. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts education certification rules to benefit veterans seeking to become teachers. It directly affects current and former military members who wish to obtain provisional educator status or advanced standing certification. Under the new provision, these veterans would receive an automatic five-point bonus added to their standardized test scores. This adjustment aims to provide a scoring advantage to help veterans meet the requirements for teacher certification.