Rep. Margaret Scarsdale

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home healthcare employers in Massachusetts to provide annual safety training and conduct risk assessments before visits to protect workers from violence. It mandates that agencies assess potential dangers at a patient's home, such as history of violent behavior or the presence of weapons, and equip workers with communication devices and alarms for emergencies. The law also allows workers to refuse service if they believe there is an imminent threat without fear of losing pay or facing discipline. Additionally, employers must create a crisis response team to support staff who have been assaulted or threatened.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2149) of Daniel M. Donahue and others for legislation to ensure safe medication administration. Public Health.

By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer protections and information for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax liens, ensuring the notice includes contact details and explains the owner's rights to redeem the property. The law also mandates that notices be sent via certified mail and posted on the property in plain language, including translations in the seven most common languages spoken in the state. Additionally, the bill defines how to calculate any remaining value owed to a homeowner after a property is sold to satisfy tax debts. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure residents understand the steps involved in tax foreclosure processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly authorize libraries to purchase and license electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects a wide range of library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, by legally defining these digital formats and the companies that provide them. The legislation clarifies that "publishers" include both traditional book sellers and digital aggregators who license collections to libraries. By updating Chapter 78 of the General Laws, the bill removes potential legal barriers that might have prevented libraries from acquiring modern digital reading materials.

By Representative Balser of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2290) of Ruth B. Balser relative to clarifying the standards for requiring the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in rehabilitated buildings. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 23-member task force to study and recommend a statewide framework for social emotional learning and mental health support for students from birth through higher education. The committee includes representatives from various educational, health, and advocacy organizations, and it must meet regularly to address topics such as suicide prevention, the impact of social media on youth, and strategies for integrating these supports into school curricula. Within two years of passing, the task force will submit its findings to state officials, who are then required to publish guidance for school districts on how to implement these mental health and behavioral health strategies by December 2026. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to mandate that school safety plans include partnerships with community health organizations to help refer students needing extra support.

By Representatives Balser of Newton and Donato of Medford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2289) of Ruth B. Balser, Paul J. Donato and others relative to the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in certain new family dwellings. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to better protect homeowners by clarifying how much money they might get back if their property is sold to pay off taxes. It requires government officials and private buyers of tax liens to send clear, plain-language notices in English and seven other common languages before taking legal action or selling the debt. These notices must explain the foreclosure process, how to reclaim the property, and the specific costs involved, while also defining how any leftover value from a property sale will be returned to the former owner. Additionally, the law mandates that initial tax demands for residential homes be sent via certified mail and posted publicly to ensure owners are properly informed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer information and protections for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax debt, mandating that notices be sent via certified mail, posted on the property, and written in plain English plus the seven most common languages in the state. The legislation also defines how to calculate "excess equity" for homeowners after a sale and ensures that initial tax demands include warnings about potential property loss and available assistance programs. These changes aim to improve transparency throughout the tax collection process while maintaining the state's ability to recover unpaid taxes.