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.
Rep. Steve Owens
Sponsored bills
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.]
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to clarify the roles and powers of tree wardens who manage public shade trees in towns and cities. It grants wardens the authority to appoint deputies, set local regulations for tree care, and approve the planting of trees on public streets. The legislation also defines specific conditions under which wardens can trim or remove small trees and bushes without a hearing, such as when they are deemed hazardous or obstructing travel. Additionally, the bill establishes fines for violations of tree protection rules and sets a qualification requirement for wardens in municipalities with more than 10,000 residents.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws governing public shade trees by clarifying the powers and responsibilities of tree wardens in towns and cities. It allows wardens to appoint deputies, manage public tree funds, and propose local regulations for tree care that can include fines for violations. The legislation also specifies when tree wardens can trim or remove trees without a hearing, such as for small branches or hazardous trees blocking public ways, while requiring consultation for other removals. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for unauthorized damage to public trees and vandalism, setting specific fine amounts for these offenses. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for municipalities in maintaining and protecting public shade trees.
By Representative Owens of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3398) of Steven Owens and Lydia Edwards relative to funding the transition to electric vehicles by the imposition of certain registration fees. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to modernize how towns and cities manage public shade trees and shrubs. It requires tree wardens in communities with over 10,000 residents to hold professional arboriculture certifications and establishes specific standards for when trees can be trimmed or removed without a hearing. The legislation also clarifies penalties for damaging public vegetation and ensures that rules regarding tree care are created by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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.