Rep. Todd Smola

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to update the definition of "invite" in the context of enticement of children online. It adds specific communication methods - such as instant messaging, email, phone calls, and postal mail - to the existing legal definition. The change directly affects how law enforcement and courts interpret and apply the enticement statute. It does not create new penalties or programs but ensures the law covers modern digital communication channels used to contact minors. (Procedural amendment; 2 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes mandatory post-release supervision for most individuals released from prison in Massachusetts. It requires a period equal to 25% of their maximum prison sentence (minimum nine months) for those sentenced to incarceration, excluding people on probation, parole, or lifetime community parole. Supervision is managed by the probation office for short sentences (under one year) or the parole board for longer sentences, with early termination possible after nine months under specific conditions like stable housing and employment. Violations can lead to increased supervision, short jail terms, or extended supervision periods, but do not automatically trigger new criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to ensure juvenile offenders make restitution to victims of their crimes. It mandates that courts order juveniles to repair, replace, or pay for damage caused by their actions, and makes restitution a condition for release, placement, or parole. Courts may also collect restitution directly through limited fines, wage withholdings, or other court-approved collection methods, with payments then given to the victim. The law directly affects juvenile offenders and crime victims in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill (HD 1346) requires businesses or entities paying a defendant in a criminal case to report the agreement to the Attorney General's Victim Compensation Division within 30 days and post a bond equal to the payment amount. It defines "proceeds of crime" as money or assets gained through a defendant's criminal activity, and mandates that payments must be "substantially related" to the crime (e.g., leveraging notoriety from the crime) to trigger the reporting and bonding requirements. The division notifies victims, holds the bond to potentially cover victim compensation, and allows victims to sue for damages within three years. It directly affects businesses, media, or individuals contracting with defendants, ensuring potential criminal proceeds benefit victims rather than the defendant.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to impound vehicles for at least 12 hours when a person is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). It mandates that officers provide a written warning to anyone summoned to transport the arrestee, explaining potential criminal and civil liability if they allow the impaired person to drive. Vehicles can only be released if the owner presents a valid license, proof of insurance, or meets other conditions set by law enforcement. The law directly affects individuals who arrange transportation for DUI arrestees and requires law enforcement agencies to follow specific procedures for vehicle impoundment and release.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a Massachusetts statute to expand the legal definition of prohibited relationships in incest laws. It adds "affinity or adoption" after "consanguinity" in Section 17 of Chapter 272, meaning the law will now explicitly cover relationships formed through marriage (affinity) and adopted family ties. The change directly affects how incest cases are legally defined and prosecuted under current state law. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage, updating the statutory language without creating new requirements or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study how social media platforms use intermittent variable rewards (like unpredictable likes or notifications) and other tactics to influence user behavior, particularly focusing on their impact on adolescents. The commission, composed of legislative leaders and state officials (including mental health and public health representatives), will examine whether these strategies are psychologically manipulative. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to both legislative chambers within one year of the bill's passage. The bill itself does not enact new laws or regulations but creates a study group to gather information on this specific issue.

Maddy summaryHD 1339 amends Massachusetts law to expand access to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) requests. It allows parents, legal guardians, or custodians to request criminal record checks for childcare providers who have or may have direct contact with their children. This change specifically adds childcare providers to the list of individuals whose records can be accessed under CORI for background checks. The bill modifies existing law to clarify this expanded access but does not change CORI fees or processing procedures. It directly affects families seeking background checks on childcare providers before entrusting them with their children.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3510) creates new criminal penalties for "check washing," defined as altering a check's payee name, amount, or both to fraudulently cash or deposit it. It directly affects individuals who commit this specific type of check fraud. The law imposes penalties based on the amount stolen: up to 10 years in prison or a $50,000 fine for fraud exceeding $1,200, or up to 2 years in jail or a $3,000 fine for fraud under $1,200. The bill also clarifies where legal action can be filed (in the jurisdiction where the check was used or the bank's main office is located).

Maddy summaryHD 1312 amends the state's juror service law to create a new exemption for sole business owners whose jury duty would require closing their business. The bill adds this exemption to the existing list of reasons for being excused from jury duty. It directly affects small business owners who operate alone and cannot leave their business unattended during jury service. This change would allow such individuals to be excused from jury duty without penalty.