Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework in Massachusetts to allow psychologists to provide telehealth services and temporary in-person care across state lines without needing a separate license in each location. It authorizes the state to sign an agreement with other participating states that enables licensed psychologists to practice temporarily in those jurisdictions while maintaining accountability to their home state's regulatory board. The compact includes provisions for sharing information about licensure and disciplinary history between states to protect public safety and facilitate the exchange of professional data. By creating a coordinated system for temporary practice, the legislation aims to increase access to psychological services while ensuring that all practitioners adhere to the laws of the states where they provide care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund in Massachusetts to support the energy-efficient upgrades of existing buildings. The fund, managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center, provides financial assistance for projects that make buildings highly energy efficient, switch to all-electric systems, install renewable energy sources, and use low-carbon materials. Priority funding is directed toward affordable housing, public schools, and small businesses, with a specific focus on communities in environmental justice areas, gateway cities, and those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Additionally, the legislation allows money to cover necessary remediation costs, such as mold removal or lead paint mitigation, that must be addressed before renovations can begin.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal requirement for the state to ensure fair and adequate funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates that the Board of Higher Education determine annual budget requests for these institutions and student financial aid, prioritizing resources for teaching, research, and student support services. Key provisions include directing additional funds toward vulnerable student populations, emphasizing full-time faculty employment with fair wages, and preventing the privatization of public campuses. The legislation also requires the state council to report annually on how these funds are distributed to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to the Massachusetts health care system to better support family members who serve as unpaid caregivers for relatives receiving home care services. The legislation aims to establish a formal recognition program that would allow these family caregivers to receive training, respite care services, and other resources to help manage the demands of their role. By creating a structured support framework, the bill seeks to improve the well-being of both the caregivers and the individuals they support without altering the core funding or eligibility rules for existing home care programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to establish higher minimum payment rates for behavioral health services provided by clinics compared to those offered by independent practitioners. Specifically, it mandates that clinics receive rates at least 20% higher than comparable services from independent social workers and requires a 5% increase for all clinic procedures effective January 1, 2023. The legislation also directs the state division to review these rates every two years, ensuring adjustments include an inflation factor based on Medicare data and wage comparisons for clinic staff. These changes directly affect managed care entities and behavioral health clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health, aiming to standardize and improve compensation for clinic-based care.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member commission to study and propose a reparations program for descendants of enslaved people in Massachusetts. The commission will investigate the lasting harms of slavery and systemic racism, including the racial wealth gap, and consider various forms of redress such as cash payments, tuition assistance, and tax credits. Members will be appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and civil rights organizations, with a preference for individuals who have verified familial connections to American Freedmen. Within two years, the commission must submit a report with its findings and draft legislation to the state legislature for further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to broaden the scope of medical protections and definitions related to abortion care. It changes language to include individuals at risk of infection rather than those who have already been exposed and expands the definition of abortion-related services to include prevention measures. The legislation also clarifies that a doctor's conscientious objection cannot be used to deny care if the procedure is necessary to save a patient's life and no other staff are available. Additionally, it updates legal terminology to refer to a wider range of licensed health professionals, such as nurse practitioners and midwives, as qualified providers for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age of criminal majority in Massachusetts from 18 to 21, meaning individuals aged 18 and 19 would no longer be treated as adults within the criminal justice system. The legislation updates various state laws to replace the specific age of 18 with the term "criminal majority," ensuring consistency across different legal contexts. By extending juvenile protections to 21-year-olds, the measure aims to provide better outcomes for young adults and promote public safety.

Maddy summaryThe provided text is a petition listing the names and districts of legislators and citizens who support a bill titled "An Act empowering students and schools to thrive." It does not contain the actual legislative text, so the specific provisions, mechanisms, or direct effects of the bill are not described. Consequently, a summary of the policy changes or the bill's functional impact cannot be generated from the information given.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores voting rights to individuals in Massachusetts who have been convicted of felonies, regardless of whether they are currently incarcerated. It achieves this by removing specific language from state election laws that previously barred people with felony convictions from voting while in prison. The legislation directly affects incarcerated felons by allowing them to participate in elections without needing to complete their sentences first. By striking out the exclusionary clauses, the bill ensures that felony status alone does not disqualify a person from casting a ballot.