Rep. Mindy Domb

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines the process for sealing criminal and juvenile court records in Massachusetts by mandating that relevant agencies seal eligible records within 90 days of becoming eligible. It directly affects individuals with past criminal or delinquent records, as well as their legal representatives, by removing the requirement to obtain a separate court order to access these sealed documents. The legislation also clarifies that juvenile offenses include cases where the minor was charged as a youthful offender. By enforcing strict timelines and simplifying access procedures, the law aims to make the record sealing process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the Department of Correction and local sheriffs provide free voice telephone services to all inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities, including jails and mental health units. The law requires these communication services to be available at all times, provided they do not disrupt educational programs or daily facility operations. Additionally, the bill ensures that both the incarcerated person and the recipient of the call incur no charges for these calls for a period of 90 days following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a working group to investigate gender-based price discrimination for products marketed specifically to women in Massachusetts. The group will include representatives from the state legislature, consumer protection agencies, the Women's Bar Association, and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Within 30 days of the bill taking effect, the group must meet to study pricing differences based on gender marketing and submit their findings and recommendations to the state legislature by December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to remove two specific sections of Massachusetts law that currently prohibit certain acts performed with other people or animals. By repealing these sections, the legislation aims to eliminate legal restrictions that critics argue are rooted in homophobia and transphobia. The change would directly affect individuals who might otherwise face criminal penalties under these repealed statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for victims of hate crimes by expanding the definition of harassment and increasing penalties for assaults motivated by bias. It directly affects individuals targeted for violence or intimidation based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The legislation redefines harassment to include three or more malicious acts intended to cause fear or damage, while also incorporating specific existing offenses into the harassment definition. Additionally, it raises the maximum penalty for hate-motivated assault or battery to a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to two and a half years. These changes aim to provide clearer legal tools for restraining orders and harsher consequences for perpetrators of hate-based violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for the House committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to submit its final report on a specific document until June 1, 2024. It overrides the standard rule that limits the time available for committees to complete their work. The measure allows the committee more time to review and finalize its recommendations without rushing the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal "Bill of Rights" for survivors of sexual assault in Massachusetts, ensuring they receive specific protections during medical exams and legal interviews. The law guarantees that survivors have the right to consult with a sexual assault counselor and bring a support person of their choice to any medical or law enforcement interaction. It also clarifies that these rights remain in effect regardless of whether the survivor chooses to report the crime, seek medical attention, or participate in a criminal prosecution. By codifying these protections, the legislation aims to provide a consistent standard of care and support for victims throughout the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and other subdivisions from entering into, extending, or renewing any contracts with the federal government. The law specifically targets agreements related to civil immigration detention and restricts such partnerships to a maximum of ninety days after the bill takes effect. It empowers the state Attorney General to sue entities that violate these restrictions and allows private citizens to file lawsuits against violators. The legislation aims to limit state involvement in federal immigration enforcement while ensuring that local officers can still perform their standard public safety duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Massachusetts Foreclosure Prevention Program designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure by requiring lenders and borrowers to attend supervised mediation conferences. The program applies to loans secured by primary residences, including small rental properties, condominiums, and cooperatives, but excludes government tax or judgment liens. During these conferences, a neutral mediator facilitates a good faith effort between the creditor and borrower to explore sustainable alternatives to foreclosure, such as loan modifications or repayment plans. A key provision mandates that the lender's representative at the conference cannot be the same person representing the lender in any subsequent court foreclosure proceedings. This legislative change aims to establish a structured, non-court process for resolving mortgage disputes before properties are lost.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.