Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
Rep. Paul Donato
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to enter into supported decision-making agreements as an alternative to traditional guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters and decision-makers and mandates that schools inform students with disabilities about this option when they turn sixteen. The legislation defines the roles of supporters and decision-makers, outlines the rights and obligations of each party, and establishes rules for dispute resolution while ensuring the decision-maker retains full control over their life choices.
Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to ensure that the state minimum wage applies to both public and private employers. The key provision explicitly states that the minimum wage rules override any conflicting state laws, such as those regarding tipped minimum wages. By removing the word "It" and adding "public or private," the legislation aims to create a uniform minimum wage standard across all workplaces in the state. This change would directly affect all employees in Massachusetts, regardless of whether they work for the government or a private company.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes banning the sale of cell phone location information to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ individuals, religious liberty, and freedom of movement. It directly affects telecommunications companies and data brokers by restricting their ability to sell precise location data to third parties. The legislation aims to prevent the misuse of location tracking that could expose individuals to discrimination or surveillance in sensitive situations.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to create supported decision-making agreements, allowing them to choose trusted individuals to help them make life decisions while retaining full control over their own choices. The law defines supporters as people who assist with understanding information, communicating decisions, and accessing records regarding medical, financial, and personal matters, all with the explicit consent of the person making the decisions. Key provisions ensure that the decision-maker can enter into or end these agreements at any time without coercion and that supporters cannot override the decision-maker's self-determination. By adding this new section to the state's probate code, the legislation provides a formal legal framework for individuals to receive support without needing to appoint a guardian.
Senate, July 29, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education (Senate, No. 2477),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2904).
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes cities and towns in Massachusetts to install and operate camera systems on school buses to automatically detect and record drivers who fail to stop when the bus is loading or unloading students. The systems must capture video and images of the violating vehicle, including its license plate, while protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers by avoiding frontal shots or identifying details. If a violation is confirmed by a law enforcement officer or technician, the driver faces a fine that is recorded on their driving history but does not count as a moving violation for insurance purposes. The bill also establishes that municipalities can hire private vendors to manage these systems, with costs potentially covered by ticket revenue, subject to local approval and consent from the school committee.
Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 146) of Cynthia Stone Creem and Marian T. Ryan, Middlesex District Attorney for legislation to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education for aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 249) of Christine P. Barber, Paul J. Donato and others for legislation to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education for aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3561) of Tackey Chan, Michelle M. DuBois and Steven Ultrino relative to the posting of information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at hair salons or cosmetology schools, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2477).
By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3245) of Carole A. Fiola, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.