Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reform civil asset forfeiture laws in Massachusetts by raising the legal standard required for the state to seize property from individuals. It mandates that law enforcement must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that property is connected to crime, rather than the lower standard of probable cause, and requires that civil forfeiture cases be paused until any related criminal charges are fully resolved. Additionally, the legislation creates a special trust fund to provide free legal representation for those who cannot afford it and to finance drug rehabilitation and mental health programs using proceeds from forfeited assets. To ensure transparency, the bill also requires government agencies to submit annual public reports detailing how much money was seized, how the funds were spent, and the outcomes of these cases.
Rep. Brad Jones
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to review Massachusetts laws regarding animal cruelty and protection. The group will include representatives from the attorney general's office, district attorneys, state police, agricultural resources, and animal welfare organizations, along with two members appointed by the governor. Within 12 months, the task force must submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations, which may include creating a new misdemeanor statute for animal cruelty. This initiative directly affects state agencies and animal welfare groups by mandating a systematic evaluation of current legal protections for animals.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to redefine individuals involved in the sex trade as "prostituted persons" rather than "prostitutes," emphasizing their status as potential victims. It expands legal protections by including various forms of sex work, such as exchanging sexual conduct for food or shelter, within the definitions of related crimes. The legislation also redirects fines collected from violations of these laws to a state trust fund dedicated to assisting victims of human trafficking. By updating terminology and broadening the scope of covered activities, the bill aims to strengthen justice and support systems for those affected by the sex trade.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning, harboring, or caring for animals for a set period after their release from prison. The law mandates minimum ban durations of five years for a first offense and fifteen years for repeat offenders, during which the convicted person cannot reside with animals or work in facilities where animals are present. Courts will notify relevant animal control and licensing authorities about these restrictions, and the convicted individual may petition the court once per year to reduce the ban by proving they no longer pose a danger and have completed required counseling. Additionally, the bill updates existing statutes to include fines from specific animal cruelty cases in the calculation of penalties and expands the types of legal citations used in these proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to review Massachusetts laws on animal cruelty and recommends creating a specific misdemeanor charge for such offenses. The task force will include representatives from law enforcement, veterinary associations, animal welfare groups, and government agencies to assess current protections and suggest improvements. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the sale of puppies and kittens under eight weeks of age and bans the commercial display or sale of dogs and cats in outdoor markets and roadside locations. Local animal control or police officers will be responsible for enforcing these new restrictions, with fines imposed for violations.
May 2, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1052) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to criminal forfeiture; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1111) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2450) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to forfeiture reform; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1577) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements under the controlled substances law; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1615) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf relative to establishing a right to counsel in civil asset forfeiture cases; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1642) of Jay D. Livingstone relative to forfeiture reform; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1732) of David M. Rogers and Carlos González relative to civil asset forfeiture; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1762) of Danillo A. Sena, Nicholas A. Boldyga and Rebecca L. Rausch relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2758).
By Representative Walsh of Peabody, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3251) of Thomas P. Walsh and others relative to investments in tourism and visitation marketing and promotion. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Lynnfield to keep Glenn Davis as its Fire Chief until he turns 70, retires, or is removed by the Select Board, whichever happens first. The law requires annual medical checks to ensure he remains physically and mentally fit for the job and stops certain pension deductions that usually begin at age 65. Additionally, if he retires after age 65, he will receive the same retirement benefits he would have gotten had he retired exactly at 65. These changes directly affect the town's hiring practices and the financial compensation for the Fire Chief.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Middleton to officially change the name of the local governing body from the "Board of Selectmen" to the "Select Board." The legislation achieves this by systematically replacing specific terms throughout the charter's text, including references to individual members and the collective group, as well as updating titles and pronouns to use gender-neutral language. These changes affect the town's internal governance documents and ensure that all official records and bylaws consistently refer to the board using its new name.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study ways to improve pollinator health by expanding native habitats across Massachusetts. The commission will examine opportunities in various settings, including farms, forests, parks, and urban areas, to support a wide range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Composed of 11 members representing government agencies, universities, and advocacy groups, the commission must submit its findings and any proposed laws to state committees by March 1, 2024.