Rep. Chris Worrell

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member commission to study and propose a reparations program for descendants of enslaved people in Massachusetts. The commission will investigate the lasting harms of slavery and systemic racism, including the racial wealth gap, and consider various forms of redress such as cash payments, tuition assistance, and tax credits. Members will be appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and civil rights organizations, with a preference for individuals who have verified familial connections to American Freedmen. Within two years, the commission must submit a report with its findings and draft legislation to the state legislature for further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age of criminal majority in Massachusetts from 18 to 21, meaning individuals aged 18 and 19 would no longer be treated as adults within the criminal justice system. The legislation updates various state laws to replace the specific age of 18 with the term "criminal majority," ensuring consistency across different legal contexts. By extending juvenile protections to 21-year-olds, the measure aims to provide better outcomes for young adults and promote public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated state fund to support long-term care facilities and workers in Massachusetts. The fund will finance workforce training programs for nurses and aides, offering financial aid for education, licensing, and childcare, while also providing no-interest loans to facilities for building specialized care units and improving living conditions. An advisory committee comprising state officials and representatives from senior care and labor unions will oversee these initiatives. The legislation also updates legal definitions related to long-term care facilities to clarify terms such as "cohorting" and "isolating" for infection control purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of individuals in Massachusetts to request the permanent removal of their juvenile and young adult criminal records from public access. It directly affects people who were processed as delinquents or youthful offenders by allowing them to petition for expungement even if they have more than two prior records, provided those records did not result in an adjudication or conviction. The legislation also extends the time limits for filing these petitions, permitting requests for felony offenses if they occurred at least seven years ago and for misdemeanors if they occurred at least three years ago. Additionally, the bill clarifies that expunged records must be permanently erased so they are no longer accessible to courts or agencies, though anonymized data may be kept for statistical and research purposes.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options (House, No. 4785), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4999).

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, revenue impacts, and costs, while also gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans and findings to state lawmakers by October 15, 2023. Additionally, the bill allows regional authorities to consider offering completely free fares if that option proves more cost-effective than a means-tested approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "right of first refusal" for specific nonprofit organizations when a multi-unit apartment building is being foreclosed upon. It requires lenders or banks selling a foreclosed property at auction to first offer the building to designated local community development corporations and other eligible nonprofit groups. These eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to preserving or creating affordable housing and have the experience to manage such properties. If one of these groups accepts the offer, the property must be sold to them under terms that ensure it remains affordable for at least 30 years. The law applies to buildings with six or more rental units, excluding hotels, hospitals, and other specific types of facilities.

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 reorganizes the oversight of apprenticeships in Massachusetts by formally establishing the Department of Apprenticeship Standards and creating a new Apprenticeship Council. The Council will consist of 12 members, including representatives from labor and management sectors, who will meet quarterly to help shape apprenticeship policies. Under the new rules, the director of the department will have expanded authority to set training standards, approve programs, and enforce sanctions against non-compliant apprenticeship agreements. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the director's role in maintaining records and collaborating with educational authorities to ensure apprentices meet established standards.