Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryThis bill is a petition to establish a new committee or task force focused on lifting children out of deep poverty in Massachusetts. It does not contain specific policy provisions, funding allocations, or operational mechanisms, as it serves only as a formal request to the legislature to consider the issue. The document lists numerous legislators who have signed the petition but does not outline any concrete legislative changes. Consequently, the bill functions as a procedural item to raise awareness rather than a standalone law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nicky's Law to broaden the legal definition of "employer" for entities providing MassHealth day habilitation services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. By expanding the criteria to include organizations operating under specific department contracts, funding, or licenses, the legislation ensures these service providers are covered under existing employment protections. The change directly affects the organizations delivering these day programs and the staff who work within them, aiming to clarify their status under current state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove the residency requirement that currently applies to fortune tellers seeking professional licensure. By striking out the relevant sentence in Section 185I of Chapter 140, the legislation allows individuals who do not live in the state to obtain a fortune teller's license. The change directly affects fortune tellers who wish to practice in Massachusetts while residing elsewhere. No other provisions or mechanisms are included in the text of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the official name of a state agency from the "disabled persons protection commission" to the "commission for the protection of persons with disabilities" to reflect more inclusive language. The legislation directly affects the agency's legal standing and its interactions with individuals and organizations by amending multiple sections of state law. It also clarifies key definitions used in investigations, such as specifying who counts as a "caretaker" and listing various professionals who must report suspected abuse. These changes aim to modernize terminology and ensure consistent definitions for protecting people with disabilities without altering the core investigative functions of the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily living tasks to qualify for the Personal Care Attendant program. Specifically, it directs the Division of Medical Assistance to update its regulations so that people requiring assistance with two or more activities of daily living are considered eligible for PCA services. The change ensures that those who need guidance or oversight while completing routine tasks can receive support through the state's existing personal care system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-level Child Fatality Review Team within the Office of the Child Advocate to investigate deaths and near-deaths of children under 18. The state team will be composed of representatives from various agencies, including public health, law enforcement, and education, who will serve without pay. Its primary goal is to understand the causes of these tragedies and recommend changes to laws and policies to prevent future incidents. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of local review teams in each district to conduct similar investigations and follow protocols developed by the state team. Both state and local team members will undergo criminal background checks and will provide annual reports to the governor and legislature on their findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to update terminology regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary function is to replace outdated terms like "handicapped persons" and "autistic" with modern, person-first language such as "persons with disabilities" and "individuals with disabilities." These changes affect various sections of Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover topics including employment weeks and general definitions used across state regulations. By standardizing this language, the legislation ensures that official documents and statutes reflect current respectful terminology without altering the substantive rights or programs available to these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to provide cash and nutritional aid to immigrants who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence or permanently residing under color of law. It removes immigration status and citizenship requirements from eligibility for cash assistance programs for children, pregnant women, and caretaker adults, as well as for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The financial benefits and program rules would remain identical to those currently available to other residents, except for the exclusion of immigration status checks. Funding for these expanded benefits is contingent upon future state appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily tasks to participate in the Personal Care Attendant program. It specifically targets people who are currently eligible for the program but require assistance with two or more activities of daily living due to their need for guidance. The legislation directs the relevant state division to update its standards and regulations to formally include these individuals as eligible members. By making this change, the bill aims to expand access to support services for a specific group of residents who previously might have been excluded from the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for setting payment rates for workers who provide support services to individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It creates two distinct categories of staff: entry-level workers with minimal experience and more experienced staff who have supervisory duties or advanced training. The legislation requires the state's Department of Developmental Services to use these specific definitions when calculating how much to pay these direct care professionals. By clarifying these roles, the bill aims to ensure that rate-setting processes accurately reflect the different levels of responsibility and skill required in disability support jobs.