Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to restructure the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission by increasing its membership from the current number to 11 members. The new composition would include representatives appointed by various stakeholders, such as the governor, attorney general, labor unions, minority law enforcement groups, and civil rights organizations, ensuring a broader range of perspectives. Specific roles are designated for a police chief, a retired judge, a social worker, and professionals from juvenile diversion programs to enhance the commission's diversity and expertise. By mandating nominations from specific associations and organizations, the legislation aims to create a more inclusive body responsible for setting training standards for peace officers in the state.
Rep. Patrick Kearney
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Flexible Supportive Housing Subsidy Pool Program to provide sustainable funding for permanent supportive housing aimed at individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. The program creates a centralized system where cities and care networks can access funds to combine long-term rental assistance with supportive services for those facing long-term or repeated homelessness. By requiring the use of a coordinated assessment system, the legislation ensures that eligible participants are efficiently referred to housing resources funded through a mix of federal and state resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of large-scale housing projects, defined as buildings with 35 or more units, to submit a fair housing assessment before construction begins. The assessment must be provided to the state Department of Housing and Community Development and the local municipality at least 180 days prior to starting work. It asks developers to analyze how their project might impact fair housing, discrimination, and displacement, and to explain steps they will take to minimize harm. The state department is authorized to issue fines for anyone who fails to comply with these new reporting requirements.
By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2958) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco and others for legislation to establish a local community newspaper subscription tax credit. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.
By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2809) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David F. DeCoste and others relative to the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Massachusetts laws against wage theft by expanding the Attorney General's ability to take legal action on behalf of workers who have been underpaid. It allows the Attorney General to file civil lawsuits seeking lost wages and benefits, with a provision that successful workers receive triple the amount owed to them as compensation. The legislation also clarifies that violations of wage theft laws are criminal offenses rather than just civil matters and protects employees from retaliation if they report these violations. These changes aim to increase employer accountability and provide a more robust public enforcement mechanism for recovering unpaid wages.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to stop wage theft and hold employers accountable by strengthening how the state enforces labor laws. It creates a new public enforcement unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate unpaid wages and other violations. The legislation also expands the types of penalties available to punish companies that fail to pay workers correctly. These changes directly affect employees who may have been underpaid and the businesses that employ them.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes banning the sale of cell phone location information to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ individuals, religious liberty, and freedom of movement. It directly affects telecommunications companies and data brokers by restricting their ability to sell precise location data to third parties. The legislation aims to prevent the misuse of location tracking that could expose individuals to discrimination or surveillance in sensitive situations.