Rep. Carol Doherty

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to create and publish a list of toxic chemicals of concern found in consumer products intended for children. The legislation defines "children" as individuals aged 12 and under and includes a wide range of items such as toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and artificial turf fields. To determine which chemicals are harmful, the law requires the department to consult with recognized authoritative bodies like the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Once the list is compiled, it will be made available to the public to inform parents and consumers about potential health risks in products used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers in Massachusetts to pay final wages to a deceased employee's family without waiting for formal court documents like letters of administration. Under the new rules, an employer can make this payment if they receive a written affidavit from a surviving spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, or someone who paid funeral costs, along with proof of death and relationship. Once the employer pays these wages based on the affidavit, they are fully protected from any future legal claims regarding that specific payment. The law also requires employers to keep the written demand and payment proof in the employee's personnel file.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from including contract clauses that require employees to waive their legal rights regarding discrimination, wage theft, harassment, or violations of public policy. It declares such waivers invalid and void, ensuring that employees cannot be forced to give up these protections as a condition of employment. The legislation also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who refuse to sign these agreements and allows aggrieved individuals to sue for damages and legal fees. Additionally, the bill ensures that courts, rather than arbitrators, decide whether a waiver is invalid, preventing companies from using arbitration clauses to block these challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Division of Occupational Licensure to create a single online portal that allows individuals and businesses to handle state registration, licensing, and compliance tasks in one place. The legislation requires the division to submit a detailed plan by December 31, 2023, outlining the costs, design, and necessary legal changes for this system. Key features of the proposed portal include online license renewals, tax payments, document filing, and notifications about public contracting opportunities. The bill also mandates that the portal be tested for business registration and tax applications by the end of 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define and address psychological abuse in the workplace, directly affecting employers, employees, and independent contractors. It introduces specific legal definitions for terms such as bullying, mobbing, and toxic work environments to clarify what constitutes mental mistreatment. The legislation also establishes new terminology for psychological injury, ensuring that mental harm is recognized with the same evidentiary standards as physical injury. By updating Chapter 149 of the General Laws, the bill aims to create a clearer legal framework for identifying and addressing non-physical harassment and abuse in employment settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to study and develop policies against the financial abuse of people over the age of 60. The commission will be composed of legislators, legal experts, advocates for the elderly, representatives from the real estate and financial industries, and staff from aging councils. Its specific tasks include investigating how financial abuse impacts seniors, reviewing predatory lending practices, examining undervalued property transfers, and analyzing deceptive telemarketing or online scams targeting older adults. The group is required to submit a final report with policy recommendations to state officials by December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to grant college credit for Advanced Placement exam scores of three, four, or five to help students meet degree requirements. Institutions must clearly state on their websites how these credits apply to general education, major, or elective courses and ensure they can be transferred to other schools. While schools can still require higher scores, they must provide specific evidence that a score above three is necessary for success in related courses, and the Department of Higher Education will offer guidance on what counts as valid evidence. Additionally, the state's higher education board must annually review these policies and report its findings to the legislature by July 1 each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Service Alliance Commission to coordinate and expand volunteer opportunities across the state. The new commission will work with various government agencies to develop a statewide plan that connects students and citizens with community needs in areas like education, public safety, and health. It also establishes guidelines for accrediting existing volunteer programs and encourages businesses to support these efforts. By centralizing these activities, the bill aims to better utilize volunteer energy to address local and regional problems.