By Representative Keefe of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2856) of Mary S. Keefe and others relative to corporate tax rates. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to formally include embodied carbon - the greenhouse gas emissions from building materials and construction processes - in the state's climate policy. It requires the creation of an Embodied Carbon Advisory Board composed of engineers, architects, industry representatives, and public officials to guide efforts in this area. The Department of Energy Resources, working with the board, must assess current industry knowledge, recommend training and certifications, and develop best practice guidelines for measuring and reducing these emissions in buildings and infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive educational diversion program to address the legal and social consequences of adolescents sharing sexual images, commonly known as sexting. It requires the Attorney General to create this curriculum in collaboration with state education and youth services departments, which will be used to divert minors from court proceedings if they are charged with related offenses. The program also mandates that schools integrate media literacy instruction using the same materials to help students understand the risks of online image sharing. Additionally, the legislation expands the legal definition of abuse to include coercive control and increases fines for certain offenses.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to ensure that legal parentage rights apply equally to all families, regardless of the parents' gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. It replaces gender-specific terms like "father" and "mother" with neutral language such as "other parent" and "person who gave birth," while also changing "paternity" to "parentage" throughout the statutes. The legislation introduces new definitions for various family arrangements, including surrogacy and assisted reproduction, to clarify how different types of parents are recognized under the law. By amending existing chapters on birth certificates and family law, the bill aims to provide consistent legal protections for children born through diverse circumstances, including those resulting from surrogacy or non-marital births.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3366) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others for legislation to require that new electric vehicles purchased by regional transit authorities be electric vehicles. Transportation.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3004) of Tackey Chan and others relative to making Presidential election days state holidays. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Opioid Stewardship Fund in Massachusetts to help reduce the financial barriers for people needing naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The fund will cover insurance co-pays for naloxone and other FDA-approved overdose-reversal drugs, making them free or much cheaper for those who need them. Money for the fund will come from annual payments by opioid manufacturers and distributors based on their sales in the state, along with any future state appropriations. The Department of Public Health will manage the fund and report on its usage to state lawmakers, ensuring the money stays separate from other state finances.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new regulatory framework for recovery housing, commonly known as sober homes, in Massachusetts by repealing an older accreditation section and creating a new one. It requires all operators of alcohol and drug-free residences to apply for a "determination of need permit" from the state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, which will conduct surveys to assess regional capacity and zoning restrictions. A key provision prohibits the issuance of permits for new recovery housing in designated "impacted communities," defined by specific criteria such as low income, high minority populations, or limited English proficiency. Additionally, the law allows operators to bypass local zoning laws that might otherwise restrict the operation of these facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Commission on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Management, a seven-member group led by state officials tasked with studying suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The commission will investigate needs for emergency and outpatient services, professional training, and infrastructure while proposing a dedicated fund to accept charitable donations. By January 1, 2025, the group must submit a report with recommendations to improve access to care, communication channels, and follow-up programs, including guidance on safely handling dangerous items like firearms and medications. Additionally, the Department of Mental Health is directed to develop public resources that help individuals conduct home safety inspections and learn about wellness assistance. The bill also requires the department to launch public awareness campaigns promoting Mass 211 and the Federal 988 suicide prevention hotline.
By Representative Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2352) of Meghan Kilcoyne and Paul McMurtry relative to definitions under the emergency medical services system law. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
