Rep. Mindy Domb

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to update terminology regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary function is to replace outdated terms like "handicapped persons" and "autistic" with modern, person-first language such as "persons with disabilities" and "individuals with disabilities." These changes affect various sections of Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover topics including employment weeks and general definitions used across state regulations. By standardizing this language, the legislation ensures that official documents and statutes reflect current respectful terminology without altering the substantive rights or programs available to these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Green and Healthy Schools working group in Massachusetts to develop a plan for making school buildings more sustainable and safe by the year 2050. The group, which will include representatives from various state agencies and community stakeholders, is tasked with advising on how to update existing laws and recommending specific standards for renovating current schools and constructing new ones. To gather input, the working group must hold public listening sessions within one year of the bill taking effect. The final plan will outline a timeline with five-year goals and assign specific responsibilities to different state departments for implementation and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to provide cash and nutritional aid to immigrant residents who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States. It specifically targets children, pregnant women, and caretaker adults by allowing them to receive cash assistance and related benefits under Chapter 118, as well as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, regardless of their immigration status or citizenship. The legislation removes existing immigration-related barriers that currently prevent these individuals from accessing these specific state-funded programs. All benefits under the new section must be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as those given to other eligible residents, pending future state funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public buildings in Massachusetts that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled on or after January 1, 2026, to include at least one universal changing station. The law defines these stations as enclosed restroom facilities accessible to people of any sex and designed for individuals of any age who need help with diapering. It expands the definition of public accommodations to include public parks and rest stops, ensuring these spaces also comply with the new requirement. The Architectural Access Board is tasked with creating specific rules to enforce this mandate by January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to create a comprehensive plan for regulating facial recognition technology across the state. It defines key terms like "facial recognition" and "biometric surveillance technology" to ensure clarity in future rules. The legislation requires the Attorney General to submit a report outlining how the state will manage the use of these technologies by public and private entities. Ultimately, the bill aims to establish a formal framework for oversight rather than immediately banning or mandating specific uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require state agencies and food service facilities on state property to stop using single-use plastic items for serving or transporting food. The Department of Environmental Protection, working with the Operational Services Division, will create a list of approved reusable, recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable products by consulting with industry experts and local governments. State agencies and concessionaires must then use only items from this approved list, which will be updated regularly based on specific criteria for durability and recycling viability. The legislation primarily affects government-run cafeterias, restaurants, and mobile food units operating within state facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for the state health commissioner to officially designate specific contagious or infectious diseases as having heightened public health importance. Once a disease is designated, the law requires various health insurance plans, including those for government employees and private commercial policies, to cover related prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services without charging patients copayments, deductibles, or requiring prior authorization. The commissioner must notify relevant insurance regulators and healthcare providers immediately after making a designation and must review the list of designated diseases at least once a year to renew or remove them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve legal support and housing security for people facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. It creates a new advisory committee to oversee the program and defines specific legal actions, such as those involving mobile home parks or public housing, as "covered proceedings." The legislation designates non-profit organizations to provide legal counsel to individuals involved in these housing-related cases. By formalizing this support system, the bill aims to ensure that tenants have access to legal representation when their housing stability is at risk.