Rep. Kate Donaghue

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to separate the municipal census process from voter registration in Massachusetts, meaning that failing to respond to a census notice would no longer automatically lead to removal from the voter rolls. Instead of losing voting status, individuals who do not reply to census inquiries would face a monetary fine. The legislation also clarifies the specific legal grounds for removing a voter's name from the register, such as death, incarceration, or moving to a different city or town. By changing these procedures, the bill aims to ensure that non-response to census data collection does not result in the loss of voting rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, revenue impacts, and costs, while also gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans and findings to state lawmakers by October 15, 2023. Additionally, the bill allows regional authorities to consider offering completely free fares if that option proves more cost-effective than a means-tested approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that on public construction projects in Massachusetts costing over one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that five percent of these hours be done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to ten percent after one year, and reaching fifteen percent after two years. It applies to contractors and subcontractors who hire hourly workers for projects where prevailing wage rules are in effect. The goal is to create more opportunities for skilled workers to learn their trades while working on state-funded projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands compensation for individuals wrongfully convicted in Massachusetts by lowering the legal standard of proof required to receive financial aid from "clear and convincing" evidence to merely a "preponderance of the evidence." It also broadens eligibility to include those who have received judicial relief based on innocence, even if the court did not explicitly address every ground for their release. The legislation mandates that cases be processed on a fast track and ensures that claimants receive preliminary relief immediately upon filing their complaint. Additionally, the bill requires the state to assign social service advocates to help eligible individuals access transitional services for their physical, social, and emotional needs after release from incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill to ensure legal parentage equality (House, No. 4750), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4970).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Consumer Health Data Act to regulate how companies collect, use, and share personal health information. It directly affects consumers by requiring businesses to obtain clear, specific, and voluntary written consent before gathering sensitive data such as DNA, biometric scans, and health metrics. The law prohibits obtaining consent through broad terms of service, passive actions like hovering over content, or deceptive design choices like pre-checked boxes. Additionally, it defines key terms like "affiliate" and "biometric data" to ensure clarity in how these protections apply across different types of health-related information.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to ensure that the state minimum wage applies to both public and private employers. The key provision explicitly states that the minimum wage rules override any conflicting state laws, such as those regarding tipped minimum wages. By removing the word "It" and adding "public or private," the legislation aims to create a uniform minimum wage standard across all workplaces in the state. This change would directly affect all employees in Massachusetts, regardless of whether they work for the government or a private company.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public agencies and municipalities to require Project Labor Agreements on public construction projects if they determine it is in the best interest of the state. Before mandating such an agreement, officials must evaluate factors like construction efficiency, worker availability, project safety, and opportunities for diverse groups including women, minorities, and veterans. The Department of Labor Standards will also create new rules to encourage more minority-owned businesses to participate and ensure the workforce reflects the local community demographics.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to stop wage theft and hold employers accountable by strengthening how the state enforces labor laws. It creates a new public enforcement unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate unpaid wages and other violations. The legislation also expands the types of penalties available to punish companies that fail to pay workers correctly. These changes directly affect employees who may have been underpaid and the businesses that employ them.