Rep. Priscila Sousa

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to ensure that the Massachusetts School Building Authority cannot reject a school district's application for funding solely because the buildings in need of repair are old. The legislation requires the authority to invite all eligible applicants to apply for grants, regardless of the age of their facilities, while still allowing the agency to use building age as one factor when prioritizing projects or deciding which ones to approve. By removing age as an automatic disqualifier, the law aims to give schools with older infrastructure an equal opportunity to compete for repair funds alongside those with newer systems.

By Representatives Linsky of Natick and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2358) of David Paul Linsky, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to the assault weapons ban. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school children in Massachusetts to undergo a mental health wellness examination, while allowing private school students to be examined upon parental request. Parents must provide proof that their child received this exam within the last 12 months before starting kindergarten or within 30 days of the school year, with an exemption available for those with religious objections. The legislation mandates that exam results be reported to school health staff and parents, including details on diagnoses, medications, and recommended educational adjustments. Additionally, the bill authorizes state grants to help underserved school districts fund these examinations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts wage payment laws to ensure employers pay employees on time and at no cost to the worker. It mandates that wages be delivered via cash, electronic transfer, direct deposit, or a specific type of payroll card that includes free withdrawal options. The legislation also requires employers to offer employees a choice of payment methods and to provide clear written information about any fees associated with payroll cards. Additionally, the law protects workers by prohibiting expiration dates on payroll cards without free replacements and ensuring consent for electronic payments is voluntary and not a condition of employment.

By Representative Arciero of Westford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2286) of James Arciero and Priscila S. Sousa relative to creating a presumption of job relatedness for certain public safety personnel and first responders suffering from incapacitation or inability to perform their duties as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or exposure. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2291) of Christine P. Barber, Michael J. Moran and others relative to the availability of adaptable housing for consumers with disabilities, mobility impairments and seniors. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Balser of Newton and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2288) of Ruth B. Balser, Manny Cruz and others for legislation to prohibit local and state involvement in federal immigration enforcement, unless required by law. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new minimum wage requirement specifically for workers at hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees at licensed acute care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and federally qualified community health centers, covering roles ranging from doctors and nurses to maintenance and clerical staff. The law mandates that these facilities must pay these workers at least the state minimum wage as a condition of their licensure and state funding. By defining "covered" facilities and workers clearly, the legislation aims to ensure consistent pay standards across the healthcare sector without altering existing wage laws for other industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to establish a formal bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. It achieves this by repealing an existing law and adding new provisions to Chapter 214 that guarantee these individuals the right to be free from discrimination based on their housing status. The legislation explicitly defines "persons experiencing homelessness" to include those living in shelters, cars, parks, or other non-traditional settings, and grants them the right to use public spaces like parks and sidewalks without discrimination. By clarifying these definitions and protections, the bill seeks to ensure that people without fixed nighttime residences can access public areas on equal footing with others.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum wage rates paid to care workers within Massachusetts social service programs. It achieves this by amending existing state laws to mandate higher payment standards for these specific employees. The change directly affects agencies and organizations that currently hire care workers under these programs, ensuring they receive enhanced compensation.