Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to expand the legal definition of a "prostituted person" for the purposes of the state's sex trafficking statute. The change directly affects individuals currently involved in sex work by including them under the protections of the law if they are victims of sexual servitude, sex trafficking, or specific forms of prostitution involving fees, necessities, minors, or street solicitation. By broadening this definition, the legislation ensures that a wider range of people engaged in the sex trade can access existing legal remedies and support services designed for trafficking victims. The bill does not alter criminal penalties but rather clarifies who qualifies for the state's victim assistance framework.
Rep. Dave Vieira
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new law in Massachusetts to prevent individuals convicted of specific animal cruelty crimes from owning, fostering, or working with animals. It directly affects people who have been found guilty of offenses such as animal abuse or neglect, banning them from possessing or residing with animals for a minimum of five years for a first offense and fifteen years for repeat offenses. The law requires courts to notify animal control and licensing officials about these restrictions within thirty days to ensure enforcement, while also allowing convicted individuals to petition the court once per year to potentially shorten the ban if they demonstrate rehabilitation.
By Representative Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David T. Vieira, Susan L. Moran and Steven George Xiarhos (by vote of the town) that the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to convey certain easements to the town of Bourne for subsurface waterline purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to address controlling and abusive litigation, specifically targeting legal actions taken by individuals who have a history of abuse or harassment against a family or household member. The legislation defines such litigation as cases where the accuser has a prior court finding of abuse and is suing primarily to harass or intimidate the other party, often by making claims without legal basis or evidence. Key provisions allow courts to dismiss these specific types of lawsuits if the allegations are unsupported by law or facts, or if similar issues have already been decided unfavorably in previous court cases.
By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2207) of Sally P. Kerans relative to ensuring the fair and appropriate distribution of vaccines during a public health emergency. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a livable wage specifically for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from state agencies such as the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Housing and Community Development. The legislation defines these workers as staff who provide treatment, support, or services to clients and their families, while defining the organizations as those with funded human services programs. By amending Chapter 6A of the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework to ensure these essential workers are paid a wage deemed sufficient to meet basic living needs.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends several Massachusetts state laws to officially rename the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund in honor of George L. Darey. The legislation directly affects the legal statutes governing the fund by inserting his name into multiple sections of the General Laws. These changes are purely technical and administrative, updating official records without altering how the fund operates or who receives its benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Deer Population Control Commission to study ways of managing deer numbers in eight specific Massachusetts counties. The commission will consist of eight members appointed by various government officials and industry representatives, including hunters and insurance brokers. Its main task is to identify effective methods for controlling deer populations and helping farmers reduce property damage, with a deadline to submit findings and draft laws by March 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law regarding the costs and terminology for obtaining transcripts of court proceedings. It changes the term "stenographer" to "transcriber" and allows parties to request either written notes or audio recordings instead of just handwritten notes. The legislation also adjusts specific fees, such as increasing the cost for additional copies and rush delivery, while removing references to "additional paper" and "at the same time." These changes aim to modernize the rules for accessing legal records and reflect current pricing for these services.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to update the terminology and fees for obtaining transcripts of court proceedings. It replaces the term "stenographer" with "transcriber" and changes references from singular to plural to reflect modern recording methods. The legislation also adjusts specific costs, such as increasing the fee for notes and audio recordings from $3 to $5 and raising the price for rush service from $4.50 to $7.50. These changes directly affect individuals and organizations that request official records from the courts.