Rep. Marjorie Decker

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for employers using artificial intelligence in employment decisions within Massachusetts. It defines key terms like "Automated Decision System" (ADS) as any AI tool making hiring, promotion, or workplace decisions, and restricts how employers can collect or use sensitive employee data - including biometrics, health information, and productivity tracking. Employers must disclose ADS use and obtain consent for certain data collection, while prohibiting the use of AI tools for decisions affecting wages, benefits, or job access without transparency. The law directly affects all Massachusetts employers and workers whose data is processed by such systems.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill (H 4873) extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Health to submit its final report on House Document 2499. It bypasses standard House Rule 27, granting the committee until Monday, March 16, 2026, to complete this report. The bill was adopted by the full House on December 22, 2025, after committee and rules approval. It directly affects the Public Health committee's timeline for reviewing this specific document.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-aided public housing for the elderly to allow pet ownership under specific, non-discriminatory rules. It prohibits outright bans on dogs (including breed-based restrictions), declawing, or evictions solely for having a pet, while permitting reasonable requirements like pet deposits (max $160 or one month’s rent), spaying/neutering, and emergency care plans. Housing authorities must develop written policies for different housing types (apartments, single-family homes, etc.) and establish pet committees for grievance handling. An advisory group will help update regulations and create guidance for implementing these policies, with violations subject to penalties under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural bill (H 4874) that extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Health to report on two specific documents (House Documents 2382 and 4226). It grants the committee until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to complete its report, overriding the standard timeline in House Rule 27. The bill directly affects the committee's schedule for handling these documents but does not change any laws or policies. It was quickly adopted without debate on December 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for workers injured on the job by expanding anti-retaliation safeguards and clarifying employer responsibilities. It creates a rebuttable 90-day presumption that an employer violated anti-retaliation rules if they take adverse action (like firing or refusing to hire) against an employee within 90 days of that employee reporting an injury, seeking care, or assisting others with workplace injury claims. Employers must now post multilingual notices about retaliation protections and wage rights, and they must reimburse insurers for any additional compensation owed when they fail to pay required wages under workers' compensation laws. Workers who face retaliation can sue for triple damages, attorney fees, and other remedies, with a 3-year filing window that pauses if they first report the violation to the attorney general.

Maddy summaryHD 1396 establishes a Municipal Reforestation Program in Massachusetts, requiring participating municipalities (those with less than 60% urban tree canopy or opting in) to develop reforestation plans. The bill creates an Urban Forest Advisory Council to provide science-based guidance on tree species selection, planting standards, and infrastructure compatibility, while developing model ordinances for tree preservation. Key provisions include setting metrics to measure environmental benefits like carbon sequestration, heat island reduction, and stormwater management. The program directly affects municipalities needing to improve tree canopy cover, with the council advising on implementation and workforce training for urban forestry.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.

Maddy summaryH 4831 requires all local, regional, and state public meetings to offer free, accessible remote participation and viewing. It mandates that remote attendees can vote, count toward quorum, and access meetings without fees or barriers - including captioning and disability accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public bodies must post meeting notices online 48 hours in advance (excluding holidays), and state meetings must be recorded and posted within 10 business days. The bill updates notice requirements for different government bodies and ensures remote access is available to all, including people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik (Diwali) as an official state holiday. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation establishing this day as a state holiday, recommending its observance by the public. The holiday directly affects state employees and public institutions, recognizing Diwali - the "Festival of Lights" - as a globally celebrated event observed by millions of Americans. The bill creates a formal, recurring state observance without altering existing work schedules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers operation of Bridgewater State Hospital from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health. It assigns the Mental Health Commissioner full responsibility for running the facility, providing all medical and mental health treatment for male patients there, and managing forensic services like court-ordered evaluations. The bill removes all references to Corrections oversight in hospital rules and creates a new division within Mental Health to handle forensic services. It also requires a study by 2026 on building a new facility to replace Bridgewater.