Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Orange to expand its Board of Selectmen from its current size to five members. It specifies that each member serves a three-year term with staggered expiration dates (at least one term ending each year) and confirms the board's role as the town's chief executive body. The bill also ratifies any prior actions taken by the board or town meeting regarding this membership change. This is a procedural adjustment affecting only Orange's local governance structure, with no broader policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve transition planning for youth with disabilities as they leave high school or turn 22. It requires the Transitional Advisory Committee to submit annual county-level reports tracking youth needing habilitative services, residential placement, or agency support. A new commission, including youth/family members and agency representatives, must develop a comprehensive plan within one year addressing communication gaps, service awareness, residential placement delays, and geographic equity in services. The plan will focus on ensuring smoother transitions to adult services for over 22,000 Massachusetts youth annually who lose special education eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 10th as Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and their families. The proclamation recommends public observance of the day to recognize their service and health impacts. The bill creates a formal, recurring state observance without imposing new regulations or funding.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the employment of Floyd Dunnell III, Northfield's fire chief, beyond standard retirement age limits. It allows him to continue serving until August 13, 2026 (age 73), or until retirement/non-reappointment, whichever occurs first, provided he passes a town-paid medical exam confirming his fitness. The bill also prohibits deductions from his salary for retirement or pension purposes under Chapter 32 of the General Laws. This is a specific personnel extension for one individual, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryH 1954 would provide legal representation to eligible immigrants and refugees facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney. The bill directs state funding to establish a program connecting these individuals with qualified legal aid providers. It specifically targets people in removal proceedings who lack access to counsel due to financial barriers. This creates a concrete system for fairer immigration court outcomes without altering federal immigration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.

December 15, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 383) of John F. Keenan for legislation to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure; (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 454) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to conduct a study on the delivery of special education services; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 455) of Bruce E. Tarr relative to the foundation funding of special education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2864).

Maddy summaryHD 1480 requires Massachusetts colleges and universities to create clear policies about adding notations to student academic transcripts related to sexual misconduct cases. During disciplinary proceedings, a temporary notation must appear on a student's transcript stating the alleged violation and that resolution is pending. After a final decision, a permanent notation must be added showing the violation and outcome (e.g., suspension, expulsion), but must be removed if the student is found not guilty. Institutions must also annually report the number of such notations to the state, which will publish aggregated data.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to create programs that reduce real estate taxes for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who serve their communities. Localities can offer tax reductions up to $2,500 annually per property, in addition to any existing exemptions, as long as the reduction is tied to the volunteer’s service. Towns must track and document each participant’s tax reduction amount and criteria, ensuring the reduced tax rate appears on the bill. The bill clarifies that these tax reductions are not considered income, wages, or employment for tax or workers' compensation purposes, and participants are classified as public employees under Chapter 258.