Rep. David LeBoeuf

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a state-run internet service provider called Commonwealth ISP to offer public internet access in Massachusetts. It requires local municipalities to contribute at least 50% of the costs for building community-owned broadband networks and mandates that the new provider lease space on existing cables to deliver retail services. The legislation establishes strict rules ensuring network neutrality, prohibiting data collection beyond what is necessary for service maintenance, and banning the sharing of user data with third parties without consent. Additionally, it mandates strong security standards, requires public transparency regarding data practices, and limits law enforcement access to user data to situations where a warrant is obtained.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prevent licensing boards from automatically denying professional licenses solely because an applicant has a criminal record. It requires these authorities to consider each case individually and explicitly forbids the use of certain past offenses, such as sealed records, non-violent misdemeanors, and crimes older than three years, in licensing decisions. Under the new rules, a license can only be restricted if officials prove with clear and convincing evidence that the specific crime directly relates to the job's duties and that public safety risks outweigh the individual's right to work. The legislation applies to all agencies and boards that issue occupational licenses or collect licensing fees across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires internet service providers in Massachusetts to submit an annual emergency response plan for approval by the state department. The plan must detail how the company will restore service during widespread outages caused by storms or other uncontrollable events, including staffing levels, customer communication strategies, and safety procedures for employees. Providers that fail to file these plans face daily fines, and the department retains the authority to investigate and order changes to any deficient plans. The legislation aims to ensure that internet outages are managed effectively and that customers receive timely updates and prioritized assistance during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to guarantee that individuals facing civil asset forfeiture proceedings have access to legal representation if they are natural persons. When a private citizen claims seized property, the court clerk must verify their status, and if confirmed, the state's public counsel services will assign an attorney to represent them. The legislation also directs that funds recovered from the sale of forfeited assets be used to pay these appointed lawyers and support legal aid for other indigent cases. By modifying existing statutes, the bill ensures that low-income individuals can defend their property rights in court without having to hire their own attorneys.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve the quality and accountability of temporary nursing service agencies in Massachusetts by giving the executive office authority to set fair rates and monitor agency performance. The legislation requires that rates for temporary nurses include allowances for wages, taxes, and benefits that do not exceed what permanent staff earn in the same region, while also mandating that agencies submit cost reports for auditing. To increase transparency, the bill directs the executive office to create a public performance report card that tracks agency compliance, staff reliability, and financial data by geographic area and facility type. Additionally, the law prohibits these agencies from poaching employees from facilities where they currently have an active contract for a period of one year after the contract ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to review Massachusetts laws regarding animal cruelty and protection. The group will include representatives from the attorney general's office, district attorneys, state police, agricultural resources, and animal welfare organizations, along with two members appointed by the governor. Within 12 months, the task force must submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations, which may include creating a new misdemeanor statute for animal cruelty. This initiative directly affects state agencies and animal welfare groups by mandating a systematic evaluation of current legal protections for animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to keep more young people out of the traditional juvenile court system by allowing them to receive community-based supervision and services instead. It achieves this by ensuring that children who need assistance are not automatically disqualified from diversion programs, even if they have previously been referred to court. The legislation also clarifies how assessments are conducted and what information can be shared, while specifying that certain serious crimes, such as those involving youthful offenders or long prison sentences, still exclude a child from diversion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prevent employers from discriminating against employees based on their off-duty use of marijuana, provided the use does not occur at work and the employee is not impaired while performing job duties. It explicitly allows employers to take adverse action if an employee cannot maintain necessary professional licenses due to marijuana use or if the employee is charged with a crime related to marijuana. The legislation also permits mandatory drug testing for employers required to do so by federal regulations and establishes a civil legal process where aggrieved employees can seek damages or injunctive relief. Finally, it directs the state's labor and public safety offices to create specific regulations to enforce these new protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that all foreclosures on owner-occupied residential homes with one to six units be handled through the court system rather than by private sale. Under the new rules, lenders must file a lawsuit in the local Superior Court, and if they cannot serve the borrower directly, they must also publish notice and send mail. During the legal process, borrowers can raise defenses and ask the judge to cancel or change the loan terms based on specific state laws, while the court must record any decisions that declare previous sales invalid. The legislation does not alter the rights of tenants or other legal occupants living in the property.