Maddy summarySD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.
Rep. Manny Cruz
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill gives tenants in multi-family residential buildings (excluding certain types like single-family homes or shelters) a first right to purchase their property if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu. To qualify, at least 51% of tenant-occupied units must form a Tenant Association. If the association meets requirements, it gets priority to buy the property before outside buyers, and the property must later be maintained as long-term affordable housing for 30 years through recorded deed restrictions. Municipalities can choose to adopt this local option.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1522) of Lydia Edwards, Adam Gomez, Susannah M. Whipps, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote patient safety and equitable access to care. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends multiple health insurance laws to expand access to midwifery services and clarify coverage for pregnancy care. It updates definitions in chapters 32A, 118E, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G to include "licensed certified professional midwives" alongside existing providers and removes language restricting coverage for "abortion or abortion-related care" in insurance plans. The changes require health insurers, health plans, and Medicaid managed care organizations to comply with these updated coverage standards. The bill directly affects health insurance plans subject to these chapters, ensuring broader access to midwifery services and removing prior exclusions for abortion-related care within pregnancy coverage.
Maddy summaryHD 2762 updates definitions and procedures for protecting people with disabilities in Massachusetts. It clarifies "abuse" to include specific acts like withholding adaptive aids or certain physical force (defined as "abuse per se"), and redefines key terms like "disabled person" (ages 18-59 with intellectual, developmental, or other disabling conditions requiring daily assistance). The bill also revises the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to have 3 appointed members (instead of more) and requires it to create a special investigative unit for abuse reports involving criminal conduct. Additionally, it strengthens privacy protections by limiting disclosure of personally identifiable information in investigations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate and clean energy projects across Massachusetts. It prioritizes low-income households (defined by income thresholds) and communities disproportionately affected by pollution, requiring 60% of funds to support projects in these areas. The fund will support public transit, renewable energy, energy-efficient housing, and rural clean energy initiatives, administered by a 18-member board with diverse representation including environmental justice advocates, labor, businesses, and youth. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs must report annually on fund usage and project outcomes, with strict limits on administrative costs (3.5%).
Maddy summaryH 4611 requires public facilities across Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products (like tampons and sanitary napkins) to menstruating individuals. It mandates this in all government-owned buildings, public colleges, shelters, schools, and correctional facilities. Products must be available in accessible restroom locations without stigmatizing the user. The law applies to all entities listed in the bill, including schools, shelters, and jails, ensuring no-cost access in designated areas. It does not cover private businesses or general public spaces outside these specified settings.
Maddy summaryHD 650 clarifies how Massachusetts sets payment rates for home health agencies and homemaker/personal care services. It requires the executive office to establish and review these rates at least every two years, using costs from up to four years prior (adjusted for reasonableness and new costs), and including administrative expenses and a reasonable profit factor. The bill mandates that rate-setting consider specific cost factors like minimum wage changes, payroll taxes, health insurance, and employee benefits, using national or regional cost indices. Additionally, it requires detailed reports to legislative committees comparing adopted rates to the federal "Home Health Agency Market Basket" index, with simulations if that index isn't used. The bill directly affects home health providers and homemaker service agencies by changing how their reimbursement rates are calculated and justified.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1653) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Jason M. Lewis, David Paul Linsky, Christopher Richard Flanagan and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice. Public Safety and Homeland Security.