Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within the Massachusetts Department of Education to help elementary and secondary schools develop STEM and robotics programs. The funding is intended to assist students in succeeding academically and preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Priority for grants will be given to schools that currently lack robotics clubs, specifically those located in rural and underserved counties such as Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes. To receive funding, schools must commit to running teams registered with recognized organizations like FIRST Robotics or VEX, and the state will provide technical assistance to help districts expand these programs.
Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa
Sponsored bills
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2313) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to fire safety education in schools and colleges. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2312) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to prohibiting ghost guns, so-called, that allow gun pieces to be legally purchased or made to create firearms that lack serial numbers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to allow local municipalities to adopt inclusionary zoning ordinances without facing automatic legal challenges. The legislation defines inclusionary zoning as a requirement for new residential developments to set aside a specific percentage of units for households earning below a locally determined income threshold. By explicitly including these zoning rules in the state's legal framework, the bill aims to streamline the approval process for communities that wish to implement affordable housing mandates.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2314) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to unreasonable limits on in-person visitation of inmates. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special citizens commission to investigate how Massachusetts can transition away from nuclear weapons development and production toward green technologies that address climate change. The commission will study the state's economic dependence on nuclear activities, assess current public investments in that sector, and propose financial or legal strategies to support the shift to climate-focused jobs. The 11-member panel will be appointed by state officials and community groups, with strict rules requiring members to be free of conflicts of interest and to conduct their work openly through public hearings. Ultimately, the commission will determine what federal assistance is needed and how the state can leverage those resources to implement its recommendations.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the laws governing the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board to ensure better representation and broader accessibility standards for people with disabilities. It requires that the board include specific members, such as licensed architects and building inspectors, while also mandating that three members be selected in consultation with disability advocacy groups. The legislation directs the board to update rules so that new and renovated buildings, including parking areas, have adequate accessible features like proper turning radii for wheelchairs. Additionally, it sets a requirement that at least five percent of units in large residential buildings be fully accessible, with flexibility for areas where local needs differ.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that asks the Massachusetts General Court to officially support the international Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It calls on the state to advocate for the total elimination of nuclear arsenals and urges federal leaders to take specific steps, such as removing nuclear weapons from high alert and ending the option of using them first. The measure does not change any state laws or budgets because nuclear policy is a federal responsibility, but it serves as a formal statement of the state's position and a request for federal action.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts wage payment laws to ensure employers pay employees on time and at no cost to the worker. It mandates that wages be delivered via cash, electronic transfer, direct deposit, or a specific type of payroll card that includes free withdrawal options. The legislation also requires employers to offer employees a choice of payment methods and to provide clear written information about any fees associated with payroll cards. Additionally, the law protects workers by prohibiting expiration dates on payroll cards without free replacements and ensuring consent for electronic payments is voluntary and not a condition of employment.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to update the names of various health and insurance agencies, such as changing the "commissioner of insurance" to the "commissioner of health insurance." It also reorganizes certain divisions within the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to better reflect their specific roles in health and insurance oversight. Additionally, the legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "health equity," "private equity company," and "significant equity investor" to clarify how these concepts apply to healthcare providers. By adding these definitions and updating agency titles, the bill aims to improve the clarity and accuracy of the state's market review and regulatory framework.