Rep. Priscila Sousa

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public higher education institutions in Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in the restrooms of their buildings. The law mandates that these items be made available in a way that does not stigmatize individuals seeking them. It directly affects public universities and colleges by ensuring access to essential hygiene products for menstruating students and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers injured on the job by requiring the state department to investigate all injury claims and hold conferences to gather evidence, regardless of whether a dispute is currently active. It also expands the legal remedies available to injured workers by allowing for punitive damages and injunctive relief in cases where employers violate specific safety regulations. Additionally, the legislation updates fee schedules and clarifies the types of damages that can be recovered when workers file complaints against employers for failing to meet safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill updates the legal definition of fraud within public construction bidding to help ensure fair competition for government projects. It requires bidders to explicitly certify that their bids contain no intentional misrepresentations, omissions, or false statements, while also clarifying that the term "person" includes various business entities and joint ventures. The legislation further defines "fraud" as a knowingly false or misleading statement about a material fact intended to deceive, and it revises the definition of a "responsible" bidder to emphasize necessary skill, ability, and integrity. These changes directly affect construction companies and individuals submitting bids for state contracts by establishing clearer standards for honesty and accountability in the bidding process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program called the Food Justice Frontline to provide paid work opportunities in food production, distribution, preparation, and delivery for residents living in food-insecure areas of Massachusetts. The program would offer grants of up to $500,000 to nonprofit organizations that operate in communities facing high levels of environmental pollution and low income, requiring those organizations to hire local residents at a wage calculated based on state per capita income. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources would manage the program, set application rules, and ensure that grant funds are used exclusively to create these jobs within the targeted overburdened communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new health coverage program for children and young adults under 21 in Massachusetts who currently lack access to MassHealth solely because of their immigration status. It allows these individuals to receive comprehensive health benefits similar to those available to other residents who meet standard income and age requirements, regardless of whether they qualify for federal funding. The law mandates that the state maximize available federal money for these benefits but ensures that eligibility is not dependent on receiving that federal support.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to lower the maximum rates that temporary nursing agencies can charge skilled nursing facilities for nursing staff. To set these new caps, the department will calculate a weighted average wage for regular facility employees, including payroll taxes, and ensure agency rates do not exceed 150% of that average. Additionally, the legislation requires agencies to report if they are owned by the same individuals or businesses that own the facilities where they provide services, while also prohibiting such agencies from working at their own affiliated facilities. These changes aim to increase transparency and reduce the overreliance on temporary staffing by adjusting pricing and ownership rules.