Rep. Colleen Garry

Maddy summaryThis bill requires any parent involved in a paternity case in Massachusetts to complete a parent education program approved by the Probate and Family Court. It directly affects parents navigating paternity determinations, mandating they attend this specific court-approved program. The key provision adds a new requirement to the law, making program completion a condition for parents in these cases. The law does not specify the program's content but establishes the court's role in approving it. This is a concrete policy change affecting parental obligations in family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand when law enforcement may require blood alcohol testing. It removes the requirement that a driver must be "arrested" for a violation before testing can occur. Instead, testing can now be administered to drivers involved in any motor vehicle accident causing personal injury or death, regardless of whether an arrest was made. The changes specifically update legal language throughout the statute to include these accident scenarios alongside existing DUI provisions. This directly affects drivers involved in serious collisions where injury or death occurs.

Maddy summaryHD 3539 amends Massachusetts DUI laws to explicitly include impairment from any drug that affects driving ability, not just alcohol or marijuana. It requires drivers arrested for DUI to consent to chemical tests (breath, urine, or blood), with specific protections: blood tests can only be drawn by medical professionals at a treatment facility, and drivers with certain medical conditions (like hemophilia) cannot be forced to provide blood. Refusing a test results in an automatic 180-day license suspension, but evidence of refusal cannot be used against the driver in court. The bill also establishes that a blood alcohol level of 5/100ths or lower creates a legal inference the driver was not impaired, while drivers under 21 face stricter penalties at 2/100ths or higher.

Maddy summaryHD 2894 creates a new legal process for victims of economic abuse - defined as debts incurred due to identity theft, fraud, or coercion by family/household members (per G.L. c. 209A) or caretakers of elders/disabled individuals (per G.L. c. 265, §13K) - to challenge debts. Victims can submit a "Statement of Debt incurred through Economic Abuse" with supporting documentation (e.g., police reports, court orders, or verified statements from qualified third parties like healthcare providers or law enforcement). Upon receipt, creditors must immediately stop collection efforts, remove negative credit reports, return any payments made, and notify victims in writing within 10 business days. This law directly affects victims of abuse and their creditors, requiring clear, bilingual (English/Spanish) communication and streamlined resolution of disputed debts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory 5-year ban on owning or accessing animals for first-time animal cruelty offenders (convicted under specific sections of Chapter 272 or 266), and a 15-year ban for repeat offenders, or as the court determines. It also applies to individuals charged with animal-related offenses who are placed on probation without a finding. The ban prohibits owning, fostering, working with animals in shelters/veterinary clinics, or volunteering at animal facilities. Violating the ban results in forfeiting animal custody and potential fines, with offenders allowed to petition the court annually to reduce the ban if they demonstrate safety and completion of required classes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits medical professionals from performing or inducing an abortion specifically because of a Down syndrome diagnosis in the unborn child. It applies to physicians, nurses, and other licensed healthcare providers who know the abortion is sought due to a Down syndrome test result or diagnosis. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 15 years imprisonment), license revocation, and civil liability for damages. The bill explicitly states the pregnant woman seeking such an abortion is not liable for the violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires abortion facilities to post visible bilingual signs stating that forced abortions are illegal and consent must be freely given. It also mandates that doctors verbally inform patients privately about these rights before an abortion and obtain written certification confirming this notice, which must be kept in the patient's file for 7 years (or longer for minors). Facilities failing to comply face daily $10,000 fines per violation, and patients can sue for emotional distress if these requirements aren't met. The law directly affects abortion providers and patients seeking abortion services in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryH 1981 would prohibit discrimination against individuals who wear necessary medical protective equipment, such as masks or gloves, for health reasons. It requires businesses, employers, and public accommodations to provide equal access without denying services based solely on the use of such equipment. The bill directly affects people with medical conditions requiring protective gear, including those with respiratory illnesses or allergies. This legislation aims to ensure individuals are not treated unfairly for using medically necessary protective equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2009) is a symbolic resolution expressing support for federal immigration detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It does not alter ICE's enforcement procedures or create new legal requirements. The bill directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies that receive ICE detainer requests by affirming their role in cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. It was introduced by Representative Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida as a statement of legislative backing for existing ICE practices. The resolution has no binding effect on actual detention policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2064) would require employers in Massachusetts to provide eligible employees with paid or unpaid leave following the death of a child. It directly affects workers who experience the loss of a child, expanding existing bereavement leave policies beyond immediate family members like spouses or parents. The key provision mandates that employers grant this specific leave, though the exact duration and pay structure are not detailed in the abstract. The bill is filed under the Labor and Workforce Development committee, indicating it aims to update workplace protections for grieving employees.