Rep. Brian Ashe

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum required auto insurance limits for drivers in Massachusetts. It would raise the minimum bodily injury coverage from $20,000 per person to $50,000 and from $40,000 per accident to $100,000. Additionally, the minimum property damage coverage would increase from $5,000 to $30,000. These changes would directly affect all drivers in the state who currently purchase the standard minimum liability insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the state's minimum required auto insurance coverage for bodily injury from $5,000 to $25,000, directly affecting all Massachusetts drivers who must carry liability insurance. The change takes effect on January 1, 2025, and also mandates that the insurance commissioner conduct a study every ten years to review whether these limits remain adequate while considering their impact on insurance premiums. The study will compare Massachusetts' limits with other states and include input from insurance industry representatives before the commissioner submits findings and potential future legislation to the legislature by July 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends two sections of Massachusetts law to allow deputy sheriffs to enforce regulations regarding waterways, a role currently held by state police. The changes directly affect law enforcement agencies by expanding the authority of deputy sheriffs to participate in waterway protection efforts. By inserting the phrase "by deputy sheriffs" into existing statutes, the legislation formally integrates these local officers into the enforcement framework without altering other operational details.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires police chiefs and sheriffs in Massachusetts to issue citation books to officers who handle traffic duties or direct traffic, while also allowing departments to use electronic citations if the officers are properly trained. The legislation mandates that these officials obtain receipts from officers when issuing citation books and maintain backup books at headquarters for recording violations by officers without books. Additionally, the executive office of public safety and security must create rules to set standards for electronic citation equipment and training. A related change expands the legal definition of "Police Chief" to include the Sheriff of a county, ensuring sheriffs are covered by these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement to use specialized software to search state DNA databases for partial matches that indicate a biological relationship, such as a parent or sibling, to help solve cold cases. It also permits the use of partial DNA matches where a suspect is not the exact source of evidence but is related to the actual contributor. To prevent abuse, the law strictly prohibits creating unregulated secondary DNA databases and requires agencies to sign agreements limiting how these genetic records can be used and shared. The changes apply specifically to investigations of unsolved crimes and do not allow for the collection of DNA for medical or disease-related purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students participating in soccer practices, competitions, or contests to wear protective headgear on the field. The key provision requires that any such headgear must meet relevant federal safety standards. The legislation directly affects student athletes and soccer programs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within the Massachusetts Department of Education to help elementary and secondary schools develop STEM and robotics programs. The funding is intended to assist students in succeeding academically and preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Priority for grants will be given to schools that currently lack robotics clubs, specifically those located in rural and underserved counties such as Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes. To receive funding, schools must commit to running teams registered with recognized organizations like FIRST Robotics or VEX, and the state will provide technical assistance to help districts expand these programs.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2321) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to the use of safe building materials in residential construction. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2295) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others for legislation to require seat belts on school buses. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of a person with a developmental disability in Massachusetts to clarify who qualifies for state services. It applies to individuals aged five and older who have a severe, chronic impairment that began before age 22 and limits their ability to perform at least three major life activities, such as self-care or learning, as well as younger children with conditions likely to result in such disabilities without intervention. The legislation also explicitly states that having a developmental disability does not automatically mean a person is mentally ill, ensuring these groups are not misclassified for care purposes. These changes will officially take effect on January 1, 2025.