Rep. Priscila Sousa

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws regarding how healthcare providers handle newborns who were exposed to substances in the womb. It clarifies that simply finding drugs in a baby does not automatically mean the parents are neglectful, but it does require doctors to report cases where there is a risk the parents cannot care for the child after leaving the hospital. The legislation also introduces a "Plan of Safe Care," which is a strategy to ensure the baby and family have access to necessary health and treatment services once the infant goes home. Additionally, the bill mandates that hospitals screen pregnant patients for substance use, notify state health officials about these births, and connect families with support services to address addiction and parenting needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a centralized system called a shared client data bank to help organizations fighting hunger and other social issues work together more effectively. To access state grants or loans, nonprofit service providers must join this data bank, which allows clients to submit one standardized application and receive a digital ID card for verification at multiple agencies. The system operates on a fee paid by nonprofits when they apply for state funding, and those fees are collected in a new trust fund to cover the costs of running the data bank. Client information is only shared between organizations with the individual's written consent and is protected under existing state privacy laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a universal pre-kindergarten program in Massachusetts for all children aged 2 years and 9 months to 5 years who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The legislation mandates that the state department of education provide publicly funded pre-k services with a minimum of 30 hours per week in public or public charter schools. Key provisions include creating a new advisory council to oversee program quality and staffing, ensuring diverse representation among teachers, and setting minimum salary requirements for pre-k instructors. The bill aims to create equitable learning environments that support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of every young child in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a paid, tuition-free apprenticeship program for future teachers. Under the plan, selected individuals would work alongside experienced staff while earning an accelerated bachelor's degree in arts or sciences relevant to their teaching field. The program requires participants to complete three years of paid work, with their wages increasing as they gain experience and finish their degree. It also establishes a legal definition for "Teacher Apprentice" to clarify the role of these trainees within school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts hate crime laws to require defendants found guilty or granted a "continuation without a finding" to complete a diversity awareness program before being released from prison or finishing their probation. The mandatory program is designed by the state's public safety secretary, developed with input from the commission against discrimination, and approved by the chief justice of the trial court. Courts must order this training unless they provide specific written reasons for an exemption based on good cause. The law explicitly covers hate crimes motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to hold hospitals accountable for frequently interrupting their required services. It mandates that if a licensed facility diverts or pauses patient care three or more times in a single year, the state Department of Public Health must hold a public hearing in the affected community. Following the hearing, the department has the discretion to take corrective actions, which may include revoking the facility's license. The measure directly impacts healthcare providers by establishing a clear threshold for service disruptions and ensuring community involvement in the review process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to offer commercial driver licensing tests in Portuguese, Spanish, and other languages as needed for applicants with limited English proficiency. While allowing these accommodations, the law clarifies that drivers must still prove they can speak English well enough to talk to the public, read road signs, and handle official communications. The change directly affects individuals seeking commercial driver licenses who do not speak English fluently but need to demonstrate their ability to operate vehicles safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare practitioners in Massachusetts to educate patients about the risks of prescription opioids when issuing specific high-risk prescriptions. The law mandates that doctors explain the need for an overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone, if a patient meets certain criteria, including taking high doses of opioids, using benzodiazepines, or having a history of substance use disorder. If a practitioner decides not to provide this education, they must document in the patient's medical record why the reversal agent was deemed unnecessary. The measure directly affects physicians and other providers who prescribe Schedule II opioids and aims to improve patient safety through mandatory counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study ways to increase racial diversity among judges in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 15 members, including representatives from various legislative caucuses, government agencies, and legal organizations, with a specific requirement that governor-appointed members reflect the state's population demographics regarding gender and race. The group is tasked with evaluating the current state of diversity in the judiciary, assessing the impact of potential legislative actions, and developing recommendations for improving representation. The commission must submit its findings and proposals by December 31, 2024, to state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the definition of "capital construction project" in Massachusetts law to explicitly include public preschool facilities. It ensures that building, enlarging, or equipping public preschools, as well as renovating existing structures for preschool use, are treated as capital projects. This change directly affects how public preschool facilities are funded and classified within the state's education infrastructure. By updating the legal definition, the bill aligns preschool construction with other schoolhouse projects under existing capital project guidelines.