Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect patients from nonconsensual intimate examinations, specifically pelvic, prostate, or rectal exams, while they are anesthetized, deeply sedated, or unconscious. It requires health care providers to obtain specific written consent from a patient for such exams unless the procedure is already part of the planned medical treatment for which the patient gave general consent or is an emergency situation. The law defines "health care providers" broadly to include physicians, nurses, students, and other clinical trainees who might perform these procedures. By establishing these clear requirements, the legislation aims to prevent unauthorized intimate physical contact during vulnerable medical states.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to study and recommend a statewide certification program for sexual assault counselors in Massachusetts. The group will include representatives from government agencies, victim service organizations, and survivors to define training requirements, establish different certification levels, and determine associated fees. The task force will also examine whether rape crisis centers should be licensed and explore options for offering college credits for their training programs. Within twelve months of the bill taking effect, the group must submit a report with its findings and any proposed laws to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to help Massachusetts farmers deal with financial losses caused by PFAS contamination in their soil and crops. It also grants farmers immunity from lawsuits if they are sued for damages resulting from standard farming practices that lead to PFAS presence in the environment. The legislation defines PFAS as specific fluorinated organic compounds and allows the fund to be financed through state appropriations, donations, and federal grants. Money from the fund can be used for testing, adapting farm management practices, providing health support, and developing educational resources for affected agricultural operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal shield for farmers in Massachusetts who are affected by PFAS contamination in their soil, water, or crops. It grants immunity from lawsuits and civil liability to individuals or entities engaged in farming for any damages resulting from these chemical contaminants. The primary mechanism is the amendment of state law to prevent farmers from being sued by third parties when PFAS exposure occurs on their land.

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 42) of Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Hannah Kane, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen local food systems, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2570).

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 213) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 214) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 262) of Tackey Chan, Paul R. Feeney and others relative to the licensure of appraisers, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2568).

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens local food systems in Massachusetts by requiring emergency plans to support agriculture and food production during supply chain disruptions. It creates a new full-time food system coordinator to manage state programs, track progress, and ensure underserved communities receive support. The legislation also establishes a non-enforcement circuit rider program to help farmers navigate regulations and access funding, while updating property tax rules to include the value of agricultural infrastructure. Finally, the bill authorizes the state to acquire land and easements to protect agricultural and horticultural areas for future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within the Division of Occupational Licensure to regulate professionals who assess vehicle damage. The board will consist of seven members appointed from the auto body repair industry, insurance companies, the Attorney General's office, and consumer representatives, with one member serving as chair. Key provisions include limiting members to two consecutive three-year terms and requiring vacancies to be filled within 60 days. The legislation aims to create a structured oversight body specifically for auto damage appraisers in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define and address psychological abuse in the workplace, directly affecting employers, employees, and independent contractors. It introduces specific legal definitions for terms such as bullying, mobbing, and toxic work environments to clarify what constitutes mental mistreatment. The legislation also establishes new terminology for psychological injury, ensuring that mental harm is recognized with the same evidentiary standards as physical injury. By updating Chapter 149 of the General Laws, the bill aims to create a clearer legal framework for identifying and addressing non-physical harassment and abuse in employment settings.