Maddy summaryHD 2209 strengthens penalties for sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of trust or authority over children. The bill targets individuals like teachers, coaches, mentors, caregivers, or family members who sexually assault minors (ages 14-17 or under 14) while in such roles or afterward. For victims aged 14-17, offenders face up to 10 years in prison; for victims under 14, sentences are life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years (no probation, parole, or sentence reductions for 10 years). The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and removes defenses based on the termination of the trusted relationship. This bill directly affects offenders in trusted roles and provides enhanced protections for child victims.
Rep. Natalie Blais
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Comprehensive Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act, requires all Massachusetts public and private schools (including charter, virtual, and special education schools), school districts, and youth-serving organizations to implement annual training for staff and volunteers on recognizing, preventing, and reporting child sexual abuse. The training must cover identifying risky adult behaviors, supporting child safety, responding to disclosures, and building protective policies, with schools maintaining records of participation. Additionally, schools must provide age-appropriate education to students on healthy boundaries, recognizing boundary violations, and accessing support resources. These requirements apply to all staff, contractors, and volunteers working with children, including teachers, coaches, bus drivers, and mental health professionals.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove charitable immunity protections for cases involving sexual abuse. It directly affects victims seeking legal recourse against charitable organizations by ensuring they can pursue claims without being blocked by liability caps. The key provision adds a specific exception to Section 85K of the General Laws, stating that immunity limitations do not apply to causes of action arising from sexual abuse. This change creates a clear legal pathway for survivors to hold charitable entities accountable in such cases.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1136) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the health insurance prior authorization process. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryHD 628 establishes Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts, requiring the governor to annually proclaim the second Monday in October as this observance. The bill directs the governor to recommend public and school activities to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, honor their histories and contributions, and celebrate their cultures and resilience. It directly affects state government (via the governor's proclamation) and public schools (through recommended exercises). The key mechanism is a mandatory annual state-level recognition, replacing any existing observance with this specific date and purpose.
Maddy summaryHD 1552 requires shelters, schools, and correctional facilities to provide free disposable menstrual products (like pads, tampons, and liners) to menstruating individuals without stigma. It applies to temporary housing providers (e.g., domestic violence shelters, emergency hotels), all public primary/secondary schools, and correctional facilities (jails, prisons). The bill mandates these products be available in convenient, non-stigmatizing ways, such as in restrooms. This directly affects menstruating people experiencing homelessness, attending school, or in detention. The law creates a new requirement for these specific institutions to cover the cost of products.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish a standardized definition for Long COVID (PASC) aligned with national guidelines. It mandates the department to develop a case report form collecting specific patient data - including gender, race, symptoms, infection dates, and diagnosis details - and begin active monitoring of Long COVID cases six months after the law takes effect. The department must publish annual public reports on surveillance findings and submit a detailed progress report to state legislators within one year. This directly affects the state health department's operations and all Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID through the data collection process.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers selling menstrual products (like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear) in Massachusetts to disclose all ingredients on product packaging and online. Labels must list ingredients in order of predominance using visible 10-point font, and manufacturers must update both packaging and online disclosures when ingredients change. The law applies to all manufacturers whose products are sold in the state, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine per offense. It takes effect 12 months after passage and supplements existing labeling requirements.
Maddy summaryHD 2453 establishes a statewide network of community-based services and family resource centers to support families at risk of involvement with child welfare systems. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate services - including mental health, school support, housing assistance, and case management - to help families avoid child protective system involvement, keep children in their community schools, and strengthen family relationships. The bill mandates standardized intake tools, data collection tracking service gaps and demographics, and annual reports to legislative committees on outcomes. It directly affects families meeting specific criteria (e.g., at risk of child welfare petitions) and children facing chronic absenteeism or other challenges, providing coordinated access to state and community resources.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark for legislation to establish a regional fire district and department for the towns of Charlemont and Rowe. Municipalities and Regional Government.