Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to completely remove Chapter 62F from the Massachusetts General Laws. By repealing this chapter, the legislation would eliminate the specific legal text and regulations currently contained within it. The measure directly affects the state's legal code by deleting an entire section of law rather than amending individual parts. If passed, the provisions formerly found in Chapter 62F would no longer exist in the state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to ensure that legal parentage rights apply equally to all families, regardless of the parents' gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. It replaces gender-specific terms like "father" and "mother" with neutral language such as "other parent" and "person who gave birth," while also changing "paternity" to "parentage" throughout the statutes. The legislation introduces new definitions for various family arrangements, including surrogacy and assisted reproduction, to clarify how different types of parents are recognized under the law. By amending existing chapters on birth certificates and family law, the bill aims to provide consistent legal protections for children born through diverse circumstances, including those resulting from surrogacy or non-marital births.

By Representative Owens of Watertown, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven Owens and others (with the approval of the city council) that the city of Cambridge be authorized to install automated road safety camera systems as a means of promoting traffic safety in said city. Transportation. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3393) of Steven Owens, Manny Cruz and others relative to automated motor vehicle sensor devices that produce digital photographs of motor vehicles committing camera-enforceable violations. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a moratorium on new construction and expansion for jails and prisons in Massachusetts. It directly affects state and public agencies by prohibiting them from building new facilities, increasing the capacity of existing ones, or converting other buildings for incarceration purposes. The law also restricts renovations and repairs unless they are strictly for maintenance or to meet building code standards. A key provision is that the ban on expanding facilities will remain in effect for five years after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines the process for sealing criminal and juvenile court records in Massachusetts by mandating that relevant agencies seal eligible records within 90 days of becoming eligible. It directly affects individuals with past criminal or delinquent records, as well as their legal representatives, by removing the requirement to obtain a separate court order to access these sealed documents. The legislation also clarifies that juvenile offenses include cases where the minor was charged as a youthful offender. By enforcing strict timelines and simplifying access procedures, the law aims to make the record sealing process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the Department of Correction and local sheriffs provide free voice telephone services to all inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities, including jails and mental health units. The law requires these communication services to be available at all times, provided they do not disrupt educational programs or daily facility operations. Additionally, the bill ensures that both the incarcerated person and the recipient of the call incur no charges for these calls for a period of 90 days following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers and agencies in Massachusetts from purchasing, obtaining, using, or allowing the use of tear gas and similar chemical irritants. By amending Chapter 6 of the state's General Laws, the legislation specifically targets substances that cause rapid sensory irritation or disabling physical effects upon exposure. Any violation of this ban would result in a criminal fine of $5,000 for the responsible officer or agency. The measure directly affects police departments and individual officers who might otherwise deploy these tools during public order situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts eviction laws to create a two-step process for all housing court cases and pause evictions when tenants are seeking rental aid. Under the new rules, every case must first attend a mediation session to explore options before a trial date is set, and no default judgments or evictions can occur if a tenant has an active application for financial help. The legislation directly affects landlords, tenants, and courts by requiring judges to grant delays in eviction proceedings whenever a rental assistance request is pending. These changes aim to ensure tenants have time to secure funding before facing removal from their homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to extend the time limit for filing workplace discrimination complaints from 300 days to three years. It directly affects employees who wish to report discrimination and the agencies that process these claims. By changing the deadline, the legislation gives workers more time to seek justice after experiencing unfair treatment at work. The change applies to complaints filed under Chapter 151B of the General Laws.