By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2360) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to 3D printed weapons and ghost guns. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to extend the time limits for filing lawsuits and criminal charges related to the sexual assault or rape of a child. Under the new rules, victims can bring civil rights claims within three years of the incident, while criminal charges for indecent assault or rape can be filed at any time if the victim was under 18 when the crime occurred. These changes directly affect survivors of childhood sexual abuse by allowing them more time to seek legal justice. The legislation removes previous restrictions that often prevented cases from being pursued years after the abuse happened.
By Representatives Kassner of Hamilton and Gordon of Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner, Kenneth I. Gordon and Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and constables. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Massachusetts to pay additional fees into the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, which supports workforce training programs. The new contributions are calculated based on the number of employees an employer has, with rates increasing as the workforce grows, ranging from 0.028 percent to 0.056 percent of eligible wages. Money collected through these fees remains in the trust fund and cannot be returned to the state's general budget. The legislation also mandates that the state labor commissioner submit annual reports detailing how much money was collected and how many employers and employees contributed.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect students and applicants from schools asking for their personal social media passwords or forcing them to add staff members as contacts. It prohibits educational institutions from requiring access to private social media accounts or threatening students with penalties for refusing to share such information, unless there is a specific legal investigation where the school must first notify the student and show that no other way exists to get the needed information. The legislation also establishes a civil remedy allowing aggrieved individuals to sue for damages, including up to $1,000 per violation and attorney fees, while explicitly stating that publicly available information remains accessible to schools. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these privacy protections do not override existing laws regarding the use of school-owned electronic equipment.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to maintain a steady funding level for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, which supports workforce training programs. It requires the state labor commissioner to adjust contribution rates from employers so that total annual collections reach approximately $22 million. Any funds collected beyond this target amount must be added to the trust, and the commissioner must submit an annual report detailing the collections and the number of contributing employers and employees.
By Representative Gordon of Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kenneth I. Gordon relative to administrative costs of the Department of Family and Medical Leave. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Representative Hunt of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3509) of Daniel J. Hunt and others relative to increasing annuities for disabled veterans and gold star families. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from using consumer credit reports to screen job applicants or current employees. It also bans employers from asking candidates questions about their credit history or requiring them to waive their rights against such inquiries. The law includes specific exceptions for roles requiring national security clearance or when federal or state laws mandate the use of credit reports. Employers are further restricted from retaliating against individuals who file complaints or participate in investigations regarding credit discrimination.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts to hire medical directors who are certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or an equivalent organization. Facilities seeking new licenses must provide the Department of Public Health with the director's criminal history, resume, and proof of certification, while existing facilities have until January 1, 2028, to ensure their current directors meet these certification standards. The law also establishes penalties for anyone who acts as a medical director without proper certification and mandates a report by 2031 to recommend whether this requirement should become permanent.
