Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new five-member Board of Election Commissioners in Salem, replacing the existing Board of Registrars of Voters. The board must include at least two members from each of Salem's two leading political parties, with the fifth member unenrolled, and should reflect the city's racial and ethnic diversity. It transfers all election-related duties - including voter registration, election administration, complaint investigations, and promoting voter participation - from the city clerk and former board to this new board. The bill amends Chapter 445 of the 1960 acts to update references to the new board structure, effective upon passage or July 1, 2026, whichever is later. The current board members become the first commissioners, with two additional members appointed to ensure staggered terms.
Rep. Manny Cruz
Sponsored bills
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon and Manny Cruz for legislation to further regulate the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops. Agriculture.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2975) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards, Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect access to justice. The Judiciary.
By Representative Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 147) of Manny Cruz relative to cannabis retail operations. Cannabis Policy.
Maddy summaryHD 5509 allows Salem police and fire reserve personnel who joined the city's retirement system by February 11, 2020, to count their reserve, permanent-intermittent, or call service toward retirement credits without paying for it. This change applies specifically to those employed by Salem's Police or Fire Departments who became members before the specified date. The bill modifies existing retirement rules to provide automatic credit for this service time, removing a prior requirement for payment. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2665) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to require employers to notify current employees of an I-9 employment eligibility verification form, or other employment records, within 72 hours of receiving the notice from a government agency. Labor and Workforce Development.
Maddy summaryS 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.
Maddy summaryS 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2636) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman, Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly W. Pease, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish compact agreements between certain states allowing cosmetology licensees to move freely between member states. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.