Rep. Brian Ashe

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional facilities, lockups, and courthouses to report suicide threats or attempts by individuals in custody or appearing in court within 24 hours to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. The report must include the person's name, address, age, reason for detention/appearance, and details of the incident. The information becomes part of the criminal justice record system but can only be shared with authorized agencies under existing law. It also mandates written notification to receiving facilities when transferring individuals who had such incidents. The bill directly affects court facilities, correctional institutions, and the state's criminal justice data system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Deaf Children's Bill of Rights" in Massachusetts, directly affecting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled children from birth through age 22. It mandates early language access through American Sign Language (ASL) and English, requiring regular assessments (every 3 months before kindergarten, then every 3 years) and individualized education plans. The law ensures parents have full involvement in educational planning, guarantees placement in schools best suited to each child's language, cultural, and academic needs - including options at schools for the Deaf - and requires qualified ASL/English-fluent staff in all educational settings. It also creates a tracking system through the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to monitor compliance and intervene if children face language deprivation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Stavri’s Law," requires courts to keep mental health examination and commitment records private, except for specific disclosures. It mandates that courts share limited information with licensing authorities (for firearm background checks), the FBI (for national background checks), and law enforcement (about suicide risk in custody), but only when required by law for those purposes. Crucially, it prohibits sharing records solely because someone sought voluntary treatment or was hospitalized for evaluation. The law affects courts, individuals in mental health proceedings, and law enforcement agencies receiving targeted risk information. It changes how courts handle privacy and data sharing for mental health cases in court custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like libraries, community centers, or government offices) to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms by January 1, 2028. The stations must support 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, and be positioned 20-25 inches off the floor, with clear signage and ADA-compliant safety features like rails and privacy. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who need assistance with diapering or changing in public spaces. Limited exemptions apply for historic properties, non-public buildings, or projects under $10,000 in cost.

Maddy summaryHD 982 requires all Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like government offices or libraries) that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled after January 1, 2025, to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms. These stations must support up to 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, have adjustable height (17-38 inches), include safety rails, and be located in private or enclosed areas. The bill mandates clear signage for location and operation, and compliance with accessibility standards, while allowing exemptions for historic properties or if installation costs exceed $10,000. It directly affects state building owners and contractors planning new construction or renovations after 2025.

Maddy summaryH 4806 creates a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within the Division of Occupational Licensure. The board will consist of seven members: four appointed by the governor (two from auto body repair, two from insurance), two appointed by the Attorney General (one from the AG's office, one from the industry), and one neutral chair appointed by the licensing commissioner. This board will oversee the licensing and regulation of auto damage appraisers in Massachusetts. The bill establishes specific appointment rules, including term limits and a requirement for balanced industry representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-aided public housing for the elderly to allow pet ownership under specific, non-discriminatory rules. It prohibits outright bans on dogs (including breed-based restrictions), declawing, or evictions solely for having a pet, while permitting reasonable requirements like pet deposits (max $160 or one month’s rent), spaying/neutering, and emergency care plans. Housing authorities must develop written policies for different housing types (apartments, single-family homes, etc.) and establish pet committees for grievance handling. An advisory group will help update regulations and create guidance for implementing these policies, with violations subject to penalties under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.

Maddy summaryHD 2863 modernizes how local governments conduct meetings and elections by enabling remote participation for both public body members (like town select boards) and the public. It requires that remote meetings provide free, accessible public access via technology or transcripts, mandates roll call voting for remote participants, and sets rules for postponing elections during emergencies like weather or public health crises. The bill applies to all towns and cities, allowing select boards to reschedule elections with specific deadlines for mail-in ballots and public notice, while ensuring transparency and accessibility in local governance.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill SD 1867 establishes a state task force within the Department of Transportation to address roadside litter. The task force, led by the Transportation Secretary and including tourism, public safety, environmental, and cleanup organization representatives, will create a statewide anti-littering campaign and analyze annual cleanup costs, funding sources, and high-impact areas. It must also evaluate current litter enforcement, fines, and recommend funding needs for cleanup and enforcement by December 2026. The report will be submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees, focusing on concrete policy changes for highway litter management.