Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, removing the need for individuals to file petitions. For adults, misdemeanor records become eligible for automatic sealing 3 years after conviction (or 7 years for felonies), excluding sex offenses (which still require a request) and specific drug offenses. Correctional facilities must report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who must seal eligible records within 30 days. Juveniles' records are automatically sealed after a 3-year waiting period without requiring petitions, and agencies must provide notice about sealing at the time of conviction or adjudication.

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 102) of Michael J. Barrett, James K. Hawkins, Joanne M. Comerford, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to require changing stations in public buildings. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office to ensure equal access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing residents. The OAO, led by a governor-appointed deputy chief, will develop policies to advance non-discrimination in state employment, procurement, and services, and require all state agencies to create language access plans. These plans must outline how agencies will provide oral interpretation, translation, and auxiliary services to ensure LEP and deaf/hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state programs. The bill directly affects state agencies and the public they serve, mandating concrete steps to remove language barriers in government services.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1136) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the health insurance prior authorization process. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 23-member interagency commission to study the potential decriminalization of sex work in Massachusetts. The commission includes health officials, advocates for sex workers and transgender rights, anti-trafficking organizations, and current/former sex workers. It will examine criminal penalties, needed labor protections, health services, trafficking prevention strategies, and public health approaches to safety in the sex work sector. The commission must submit a report with recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2026, but the bill itself does not change current laws. This is a study measure, not a law that decriminalizes sex work.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 118) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation to lift kids out of deep poverty. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 104) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryHD 628 establishes Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts, requiring the governor to annually proclaim the second Monday in October as this observance. The bill directs the governor to recommend public and school activities to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, honor their histories and contributions, and celebrate their cultures and resilience. It directly affects state government (via the governor's proclamation) and public schools (through recommended exercises). The key mechanism is a mandatory annual state-level recognition, replacing any existing observance with this specific date and purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an interagency committee to study the effects of decriminalizing sex work in Massachusetts. The committee, formed within 90 days by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will include representatives from health, labor, housing, and advocacy groups, plus at least three current or former sex workers. It will examine criminal penalties, needed labor protections, health services, human trafficking prevention strategies, and alternatives to policing in the commercial sex sector. The committee must make recommendations on these topics but does not change current laws or implement decriminalization. The study aims to inform future policy decisions affecting sex workers and related services.

Maddy summaryHD 1552 requires shelters, schools, and correctional facilities to provide free disposable menstrual products (like pads, tampons, and liners) to menstruating individuals without stigma. It applies to temporary housing providers (e.g., domestic violence shelters, emergency hotels), all public primary/secondary schools, and correctional facilities (jails, prisons). The bill mandates these products be available in convenient, non-stigmatizing ways, such as in restrooms. This directly affects menstruating people experiencing homelessness, attending school, or in detention. The law creates a new requirement for these specific institutions to cover the cost of products.