Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to more clearly define and penalize the unauthorized recording of individuals in private or intimate situations, commonly referred to as "upskirting." It directly affects anyone who secretly photographs, videotapes, or uses electronic devices to view another person's visual image without their consent. The legislation establishes specific definitions for terms like "electronically surveils," "partially nude," and "sexual or other intimate parts" to ensure the law covers various scenarios involving privacy violations. Under the new provisions, offenders face fines and potential jail time, with harsher penalties applying if the victim is a minor or otherwise incompetent. The bill also clarifies that a victim's actual knowledge and consent serve as a legal defense against these charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts civil rights law to address false police claims made against individuals based on their protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or disability. It directly affects people who experience these incidents and the legal system by establishing that intentionally summoning police without reasonable suspicion of a crime, solely because of bias, is a civil violation. The key provision allows affected individuals to sue for damages or injunctive relief, even if no physical injury occurred, provided the court determines the claim was made due to bias. Additionally, the law clarifies that a person lacks reasonable suspicion if a reasonable person in the same situation would not have suspected criminal activity or an immediate threat.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal "Bill of Rights" for survivors of sexual assault in Massachusetts, ensuring they receive specific protections during medical exams and legal interviews. The law guarantees that survivors have the right to consult with a sexual assault counselor and bring a support person of their choice to any medical or law enforcement interaction. It also clarifies that these rights remain in effect regardless of whether the survivor chooses to report the crime, seek medical attention, or participate in a criminal prosecution. By codifying these protections, the legislation aims to provide a consistent standard of care and support for victims throughout the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and other subdivisions from entering into, extending, or renewing any contracts with the federal government. The law specifically targets agreements related to civil immigration detention and restricts such partnerships to a maximum of ninety days after the bill takes effect. It empowers the state Attorney General to sue entities that violate these restrictions and allows private citizens to file lawsuits against violators. The legislation aims to limit state involvement in federal immigration enforcement while ensuring that local officers can still perform their standard public safety duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to ensure foster children receive federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security retirement or disability payments, and veterans benefits. It requires the Department of Children and Families to actively screen for eligibility within 60 days of a child entering care and to apply for these benefits on the child's behalf if they qualify. The legislation also mandates that the department only act as the representative payee or fiduciary for these funds when no other suitable candidate is available and when doing so does not hinder family reunification efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for annual reviews of cases to identify any new benefit eligibility that may have arisen since the initial assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Massachusetts Foreclosure Prevention Program designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure by requiring lenders and borrowers to attend supervised mediation conferences. The program applies to loans secured by primary residences, including small rental properties, condominiums, and cooperatives, but excludes government tax or judgment liens. During these conferences, a neutral mediator facilitates a good faith effort between the creditor and borrower to explore sustainable alternatives to foreclosure, such as loan modifications or repayment plans. A key provision mandates that the lender's representative at the conference cannot be the same person representing the lender in any subsequent court foreclosure proceedings. This legislative change aims to establish a structured, non-court process for resolving mortgage disputes before properties are lost.

By Representatives Linsky of Natick and Vitolo of Brookline, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2359) of David Paul Linsky, Tommy Vitolo and others for legislation to prohibit carrying firearms in certain sensitive places. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Children and Families to actively identify and apply for federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, on behalf of children in foster care. It mandates that the department manage these funds as a representative payee, ensuring money is used for the child's unmet needs and saved in special accounts to protect eligibility limits. The legislation also establishes strict rules prohibiting the use of these benefits to pay for the child's foster care placement and requires the department to provide regular financial updates to the child and their legal counsel. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for transitioning these funds to the child or a new payee when the youth ages out of the system or reunifies with their family.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates running for public office in Massachusetts to use campaign funds to pay for child care services during campaign activities. It defines child care to include babysitting from various providers and permits payments to family members only if they operate a professional daycare or charge market rates. The legislation also requires the director of campaign finance to create specific regulations governing these expenses by December 31, 2023.