Rep. Joe McKenna

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits medical professionals from performing or inducing an abortion specifically because of a Down syndrome diagnosis in the unborn child. It applies to physicians, nurses, and other licensed healthcare providers who know the abortion is sought due to a Down syndrome test result or diagnosis. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 15 years imprisonment), license revocation, and civil liability for damages. The bill explicitly states the pregnant woman seeking such an abortion is not liable for the violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires abortion facilities to post visible bilingual signs stating that forced abortions are illegal and consent must be freely given. It also mandates that doctors verbally inform patients privately about these rights before an abortion and obtain written certification confirming this notice, which must be kept in the patient's file for 7 years (or longer for minors). Facilities failing to comply face daily $10,000 fines per violation, and patients can sue for emotional distress if these requirements aren't met. The law directly affects abortion providers and patients seeking abortion services in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 3780 creates a new court-approved community-based treatment program for adults with severe mental illness who are at high risk of harm to themselves or others due to treatment non-adherence. It establishes a "critical community mental health service treatment plan" requiring court approval as the least restrictive alternative to hospitalization, targeting individuals who are "gravely disabled" (unable to meet basic needs safely due to mental illness) and have a history of repeated hospitalizations or violent behavior. The plan must include supervision, medication, and assistance with basic needs like housing and employment, with initial court orders limited to 180 days (renewable up to 365 days). This bill directly affects eligible individuals with severe mental illness and their care providers, shifting focus from inpatient commitment to structured community care under judicial oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 4169 requires courts to order a psychiatric evaluation within 10 days for individuals subject to an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), which is issued when someone is deemed a danger to themselves or others. The evaluation, conducted by a licensed mental health professional approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, must assess the person's mental health, history of violence or self-harm, and ability to safely handle weapons. Courts must review these results alongside other evidence before deciding whether to continue, modify, or end the ERPO. This bill directly affects ERPO respondents and streamlines the court process for evaluating safety risks. It also directs the Department of Public Health and Trial Court to create implementing regulations.

Maddy summaryHD 465 (Halo Act) protects first responders by making it illegal to interfere with their work during emergencies. The bill defines "first responder" broadly to include police, firefighters, EMTs (paid, volunteer, or reserve), and others providing emergency assistance. It prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after they've given a verbal warning not to approach, if the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them, or cause distress. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $5,000 or one year in jail for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law regarding immigration cooperation and emergency housing assistance. For public safety, it requires state/local law enforcement to detain certain individuals for up to 12 hours (with judicial review within that timeframe) when ICE requests custody for non-citizens convicted of specific serious offenses like terrorism, gang activity, or violent crimes. For emergency housing, it restricts eligibility to U.S. citizens or immigrants with 12 consecutive months of continuous Massachusetts residency, requiring specific documentation (e.g., tax returns, driver's license, utility bills) and prohibiting fraudulent applications. These changes directly affect immigrants seeking housing assistance and law enforcement agencies handling ICE requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2064) would require employers in Massachusetts to provide eligible employees with paid or unpaid leave following the death of a child. It directly affects workers who experience the loss of a child, expanding existing bereavement leave policies beyond immediate family members like spouses or parents. The key provision mandates that employers grant this specific leave, though the exact duration and pay structure are not detailed in the abstract. The bill is filed under the Labor and Workforce Development committee, indicating it aims to update workplace protections for grieving employees.

Maddy summaryH 2058, titled "An Act relative to state compliance with detainer requests," proposes to establish clear procedures for Massachusetts state law enforcement agencies when handling federal detainer requests from immigration authorities. The bill would require state agencies to follow specific guidelines for processing such requests, including timelines for notifying individuals and coordinating with federal officials. It directly affects state law enforcement personnel and individuals who may be subject to federal detainer requests while in state custody. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify who qualifies as a certified emergency telecommunicator. It adds specific job titles - full-time dispatchers, dispatch supervisors, communications center directors, and communications chiefs - to the legal definition. These individuals must be certified by the Massachusetts State 911 Department under existing rules (MA 560 CMR 5.04). The change directly affects these certified telecommunicators by formally including their roles in the law. It is a definitional update, not a new policy or funding measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3047) requires public safety telecommunicators - emergency call dispatchers who handle 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services - to receive the same internal benefits as first responders. These benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, and other agency-provided perks, but the bill explicitly states that telecommunicators' compensation and pension benefits will remain unchanged. It applies to all dispatchers employed by public safety agencies, including those who supervise others in this role. The policy change ensures these critical frontline staff receive equitable internal support without altering their current pay or retirement terms.