Rep. Natalie Higgins

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts most law enforcement use of facial recognition technology in Massachusetts. It prohibits police agencies from acquiring or using facial recognition without specific legal authorization, except for limited exceptions like verifying identities for driver's licenses or investigating felonies with a warrant. The law requires strict documentation for emergency uses, mandates transparency by requiring law enforcement to share all technical details about facial recognition searches with defendants in criminal cases, and establishes public reporting requirements for all searches conducted. These provisions directly affect law enforcement agencies, public officials, and individuals involved in criminal cases where facial recognition was used.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill, the Free Flow of Information Act, protects journalists and their sources by prohibiting government entities from compelling disclosure of "protected information" (such as confidential sources or journalistic records) without a court order. It requires courts to find by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence before allowing such disclosure. The law also shields journalists' personal accounts and devices on covered service providers (like social media platforms) from compelled disclosure, mandating notice to the journalist and narrow tailoring of any court-ordered information. This law aims to safeguard journalistic integrity by limiting government access to sensitive materials while maintaining strict court oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 794 restricts Massachusetts law enforcement and public agencies from using facial recognition and other biometric surveillance technology without specific authorization, with key exceptions for identity verification at the motor vehicle department and limited law enforcement uses. The bill requires warrants for most facial recognition searches related to felonies, mandates detailed documentation for emergency searches within 48 hours, and demands that defendants in criminal cases be notified and provided with records about any facial recognition search used against them. It also requires public reporting of all searches - including demographic data and system accuracy - by law enforcement agencies quarterly and annually to the executive office of public safety. The law ensures transparency by prohibiting the use of unapproved technology and requiring public hearings before new systems can be adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 949) prevents juvenile court findings from being used to trigger mandatory minimum sentences for adults or juveniles. It amends Massachusetts sentencing laws (specifically Sections 52, 54, 58, 10, and 10G of Chapter 269) to clarify that juvenile adjudications - such as delinquency findings or youth offender rulings - cannot count as prior convictions for sentencing enhancements. The bill also requires courts to re-sentence individuals currently serving time based on such juvenile records, without increasing their sentence length. It directly affects people with juvenile records who face enhanced penalties under current law, including those on probation or parole.

Maddy summaryHD 2209 strengthens penalties for sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of trust or authority over children. The bill targets individuals like teachers, coaches, mentors, caregivers, or family members who sexually assault minors (ages 14-17 or under 14) while in such roles or afterward. For victims aged 14-17, offenders face up to 10 years in prison; for victims under 14, sentences are life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years (no probation, parole, or sentence reductions for 10 years). The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and removes defenses based on the termination of the trusted relationship. This bill directly affects offenders in trusted roles and provides enhanced protections for child victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove charitable immunity protections for cases involving sexual abuse. It directly affects victims seeking legal recourse against charitable organizations by ensuring they can pursue claims without being blocked by liability caps. The key provision adds a specific exception to Section 85K of the General Laws, stating that immunity limitations do not apply to causes of action arising from sexual abuse. This change creates a clear legal pathway for survivors to hold charitable entities accountable in such cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sexual harassment by "professional investors" (such as banks, venture capital firms, or financial institutions) in business transactions within Massachusetts. It makes it unlawful to make sexual advances or requests for sexual favors as a condition for investment deals, or when such conduct creates a hostile work environment affecting business relationships. Individuals or businesses harmed by these violations can sue for damages, including attorney fees, and the Attorney General can also enforce the law. The bill specifically targets harassment in financial transactions, not general workplace harassment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office to ensure equal access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing residents. The OAO, led by a governor-appointed deputy chief, will develop policies to advance non-discrimination in state employment, procurement, and services, and require all state agencies to create language access plans. These plans must outline how agencies will provide oral interpretation, translation, and auxiliary services to ensure LEP and deaf/hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state programs. The bill directly affects state agencies and the public they serve, mandating concrete steps to remove language barriers in government services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3434) expands access to community-based diversion programs for youth in Massachusetts juvenile court. It directly affects minors charged with eligible offenses who would otherwise face formal court proceedings. Key changes include: removing barriers that previously disqualified youth from diversion (like referrals to court), requiring law enforcement to stop sharing juvenile arrest records with federal agencies like the FBI, and clarifying that diverted cases don’t count as criminal complaints. The bill also specifies which offenses (such as minor traffic violations or certain low-level crimes) still allow diversion, while excluding serious charges like violent offenses. These changes aim to reduce juvenile justice system involvement for non-violent cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any Massachusetts state or local government contract receiving state funds must employ up to 2% of workers with disabilities, provided the contractor employs at least 75 full-time equivalent workers. It specifically applies to service contracts for janitorial, landscaping, food services, facility management, and other similar work. The law defines "individuals with disabilities" broadly to include various physical and mental conditions, and mandates that agencies like the Massachusetts Office on Disability will implement the rule within one year of contract award. Contractors must also use nonprofit employment providers to support workers with disabilities, while minimizing displacement of current workers.