Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryHD 180 increases penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus. It adds a mandatory 7-day suspension of a driver's license or operating privilege to the existing $250 fine. This change directly affects drivers who violate school bus stop laws, making the penalty more severe than a fine alone. The law amendment modifies Section 14 of Chapter 90 to include this suspension requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction contractors and subcontractors working on specific public projects to use approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of winning a contract, they must join or maintain a state or U.S. Department of Labor-approved program and employ registered apprentices throughout the project. By January 1, 2025 (for most contracts), approved programs must have graduated at least three apprentices to journey worker status in the past five years. Contractors must submit written compliance proof and program details to the attorney general within 45 days of contract award. It affects all trade contractors on eligible construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair projects under specified state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1367) strengthens penalties for sexual assaults by adults in positions of trust involving children. It specifically targets individuals like teachers, coaches, child care providers, foster parents, or family members with custody who commit indecent assault or abuse against children under 18. For children under 14, offenders face life imprisonment or a minimum 10-year sentence with no parole or early release; for children aged 14-17, penalties include up to 10 years in prison. The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and bars defenses claiming the trusted role ended. Prosecutions under this law cannot be dismissed without a finding.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 167) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to maximize participation in federal nutrition programs and improve customer service. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 147) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to replace stolen benefits relative to electronic benefit transfer fraud. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryHD 2209 strengthens penalties for sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of trust or authority over children. The bill targets individuals like teachers, coaches, mentors, caregivers, or family members who sexually assault minors (ages 14-17 or under 14) while in such roles or afterward. For victims aged 14-17, offenders face up to 10 years in prison; for victims under 14, sentences are life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years (no probation, parole, or sentence reductions for 10 years). The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and removes defenses based on the termination of the trusted relationship. This bill directly affects offenders in trusted roles and provides enhanced protections for child victims.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 156) of Joan B. Lovely and Susannah M. Whipps that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to tthe treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1169) of Joan B. Lovely, William N. Brownsberger, Jacob R. Oliveira and Susannah M. Whipps for legislation to ensure that survivors of childhood sexual abuse shall not be subject to a limitation on damages. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office to ensure equal access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing residents. The OAO, led by a governor-appointed deputy chief, will develop policies to advance non-discrimination in state employment, procurement, and services, and require all state agencies to create language access plans. These plans must outline how agencies will provide oral interpretation, translation, and auxiliary services to ensure LEP and deaf/hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state programs. The bill directly affects state agencies and the public they serve, mandating concrete steps to remove language barriers in government services.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 104) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.