Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to review veterinary records and behavior assessments of pets when investigating families seeking to adopt or foster children. It mandates that applicants provide proof that their animals are vaccinated, licensed, and free from disease, while explicitly prohibiting the denial of a child's placement based solely on the breed of a dog in the home. The legislation also allows the department to consider specific factors such as the dog's age, size, and any history of dangerous behavior, with the cost of required assessments falling on the family. Additionally, the bill grants the department authority to create further regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of children in relation to household animals.
Rep. David LeBoeuf
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3245) of Carole A. Fiola, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
By Representative Keefe of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2348) of Mary S. Keefe and others relative to military grade controlled property. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3266) of Christine P. Barber, David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others for legislation to establish a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority pilot program for fare free buses. Transportation.
By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3069) of Patrick Joseph Kearney and others relative to allowing legislative employees to unionize. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new Massachusetts public bank that would be entirely owned by the state to manage a portion of public funds. The bank would invest these funds within the state to support small businesses, affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and community organizations, with a specific focus on helping underserved and minority-owned enterprises. It would also aim to assist municipalities and workers through cooperative models while remaining under the supervision of the commissioner of banks.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to expand the legal definition of a "prostituted person" for the purposes of the state's sex trafficking statute. The change directly affects individuals currently involved in sex work by including them under the protections of the law if they are victims of sexual servitude, sex trafficking, or specific forms of prostitution involving fees, necessities, minors, or street solicitation. By broadening this definition, the legislation ensures that a wider range of people engaged in the sex trade can access existing legal remedies and support services designed for trafficking victims. The bill does not alter criminal penalties but rather clarifies who qualifies for the state's victim assistance framework.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce mass incarceration by expanding parole eligibility for certain prisoners currently serving life sentences in Massachusetts. It removes specific exclusions that previously barred individuals with multiple life sentences or those convicted of first-degree murder as minors from applying for parole. Under the new rules, prisoners serving multiple life sentences would become eligible for parole 25 years after their most recent conviction began, and courts would be required to set a minimum prison term of 25 years for first-degree murder cases. Additionally, the legislation adjusts the minimum parole term for juveniles who commit murder before their 18th birthday, ensuring they are not automatically excluded from future parole consideration.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new law in Massachusetts to prevent individuals convicted of specific animal cruelty crimes from owning, fostering, or working with animals. It directly affects people who have been found guilty of offenses such as animal abuse or neglect, banning them from possessing or residing with animals for a minimum of five years for a first offense and fifteen years for repeat offenses. The law requires courts to notify animal control and licensing officials about these restrictions within thirty days to ensure enforcement, while also allowing convicted individuals to petition the court once per year to potentially shorten the ban if they demonstrate rehabilitation.
Senate, February 29, 2024 --The committee on Elder Affairs, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 381) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jack Patrick Lewis, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish an LGBTQI long-term care facility bill of rights; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 637) of Jack Patrick Lewis, Sarah K. Peake and others relative to the right, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2604).