Rep. Marjorie Decker

Maddy summaryThis bill automatically seals criminal records for offenses that did not result in a conviction or "guilty file" disposition, directly affecting individuals with unconvicted cases. It eliminates the need for people to file petitions to seal such records, requiring courts and probation agencies to seal them immediately after final disposition (including completion of supervision). The bill also mandates that agencies provide a written notice stating "a presumption of innocence applies" for unconvicted offenses when sharing records. Additionally, it ensures individuals can access their sealed records without court orders and clarifies that convictions only include formal "findings of guilt," excluding continuances without finding. These changes aim to reduce barriers for people with unconvicted cases in employment, housing, and other areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands rights for crime victims in Massachusetts, specifically affecting victims of violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault. It adds grandparents and individuals in marital-like relationships to the definition of family members entitled to services. Key provisions include requiring courts to delay sentencing if victims aren't present (allowing them to be notified), guaranteeing victims the right to submit written impact statements at sentencing, and mandating notification about probation violations and sex offender registry processes. It also creates a commission to evaluate victim notification systems related to bail. The bill ensures limited English proficient victims receive free language assistance and clarifies definitions for "vital documents" and "limited English proficient."

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits family and juvenile courts from considering a parent's disability or its manifestations as a negative factor in custody, parenting time, or child removal decisions, unless specific evidence proves harm that accommodations cannot prevent. It defines "disability" broadly (per the ADA Amendments Act), "adaptive parenting equipment" (e.g., tools to support parenting), and "supportive parenting services" (e.g., specialized training or interpreters). Courts must provide written findings if disability is considered, detailing the harm, its impact on the child's best interests, and whether accommodations could alleviate the issue. The law directly affects parents with disabilities navigating family court cases and requires courts to prioritize accommodations over assumptions about disability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework to address abusive lawsuits between family or household members where one party has been found to have committed abuse. It defines "controlling and abusive litigation" as legal actions primarily intended to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with a victim, often involving repetitive claims or lacking legal merit. Victims can request court orders restricting such litigation, which would require courts to verify abuse history and litigation patterns before imposing penalties. If found abusive, the case is dismissed with prejudice, and the perpetrator must pay all costs, attorney fees, and faces a 48-72 month ban on filing new lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHD 2894 creates a new legal process for victims of economic abuse - defined as debts incurred due to identity theft, fraud, or coercion by family/household members (per G.L. c. 209A) or caretakers of elders/disabled individuals (per G.L. c. 265, §13K) - to challenge debts. Victims can submit a "Statement of Debt incurred through Economic Abuse" with supporting documentation (e.g., police reports, court orders, or verified statements from qualified third parties like healthcare providers or law enforcement). Upon receipt, creditors must immediately stop collection efforts, remove negative credit reports, return any payments made, and notify victims in writing within 10 business days. This law directly affects victims of abuse and their creditors, requiring clear, bilingual (English/Spanish) communication and streamlined resolution of disputed debts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 810) amends Massachusetts law to broaden animal cruelty citations from specifically applying to "dogs" to covering all "animals." It replaces every instance of "dog" or "a dog" with "animal" in existing citation provisions (Section 174E, subparts f, g, and i). The bill also requires the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources to create regulations implementing these changes, in consultation with animal welfare organizations like MSPCA and the Animal Rescue League. This change directly affects animal control officers issuing citations and owners of all animals subject to cruelty charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Massachusetts social work licensure laws to remove gendered language (changing "he" to "they") and streamline requirements. It creates a provisional license pathway for applicants who repeatedly fail the social work associate exam, requiring professional development and specific documentation like case analyses instead of retaking the test. The bill also establishes a commission to study whether child welfare workers at the Department of Children and Families need social work licensure or a new certification that reduces barriers for underrepresented communities. The commission will examine certification alternatives that avoid biased testing and ensure equitable access.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory 5-year ban on owning or accessing animals for first-time animal cruelty offenders (convicted under specific sections of Chapter 272 or 266), and a 15-year ban for repeat offenders, or as the court determines. It also applies to individuals charged with animal-related offenses who are placed on probation without a finding. The ban prohibits owning, fostering, working with animals in shelters/veterinary clinics, or volunteering at animal facilities. Violating the ban results in forfeiting animal custody and potential fines, with offenders allowed to petition the court annually to reduce the ban if they demonstrate safety and completion of required classes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 797) requires courts in divorce or separation cases to consider the best interests of pets when deciding custody, directly affecting couples with companion animals going through legal separation. It mandates courts to evaluate factors like the animal’s health and safety, each party’s care history (including feeding, vet visits, and time spent), emotional bonds, and any history of abuse toward animals or people. The law also prohibits transferring or disposing of pets without court approval and allows temporary custody orders without prejudicing final decisions. It establishes clear guidelines for shared custody arrangements and enforcement, treating pets as living beings rather than property.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to streamline abortion access for minors. It requires written informed consent for all abortions (except emergencies) but eliminates any mandatory waiting period between signing the form and the procedure. Crucially, it expands minor consent rights by allowing teens aged 16+ to independently consent to their own abortion care without parental involvement, removing prior restrictions that limited this to "medical or dental care." All consent forms and related records must remain confidential, accessible only to the patient or authorized providers under strict privacy rules. The changes directly affect minors seeking abortion services in Massachusetts and the healthcare providers who perform them.