Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for commercial kennels and dog daycares by establishing a dedicated fund to support efforts in reducing homeless animal populations. It requires kennel owners to obtain a license before operating and mandates that these facilities pass an inspection by an animal control officer before the license is issued or renewed. The legislation also empowers local officials to inspect kennels at least once a year and creates a process for citizens to petition for hearings if they believe a kennel is causing a nuisance through excessive barking or other conditions. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create detailed regulations covering facility requirements, staff training, and safety protocols for businesses that board or train dogs.

By Representative Keefe of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2348) of Mary S. Keefe and others relative to military grade controlled property. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change how people are handled when caught possessing controlled substances without a prescription. Instead of facing traditional criminal penalties, individuals would be required to complete a needs screening that assesses their health, housing, employment, and legal needs. The screening must be conducted by trained professionals using trauma-informed and culturally competent methods, and the citation is dismissed once the screening is finished within 45 days. This approach aims to connect people with necessary services rather than pursuing prosecution, while explicitly stating that participating in the screening does not count as an admission of guilt.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs that a portion of fines and fees collected from individuals convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of substances be deposited into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. Specifically, it requires $50 of each fine under one section to go to the fund and increases an existing assessment for DUI-related offenses from $50 to $100, with 100% of that new amount funding the trust. Additionally, the legislation mandates that 75% of fines collected under several other specific subsections of the same law be transferred to the trust fund. These changes directly affect courts and the state treasurer, who must now route these specific financial collections to support head injury treatment services rather than general state revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits family and juvenile courts in Massachusetts from discriminating against parents with disabilities when making custody or parenting time decisions. It requires judges to consider a parent's disability as a neutral factor unless there is clear evidence that the disability directly harms the child and cannot be fixed through accommodations like adaptive equipment or supportive services. If a court decides a disability negatively impacts a custody ruling, it must provide written findings explaining the specific harm to the child and why accommodations would not prevent it. The legislation also formally defines key terms such as "disability" and "supportive parenting services" to ensure consistent application across legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new law in Massachusetts to prevent individuals convicted of specific animal cruelty crimes from owning, fostering, or working with animals. It directly affects people who have been found guilty of offenses such as animal abuse or neglect, banning them from possessing or residing with animals for a minimum of five years for a first offense and fifteen years for repeat offenses. The law requires courts to notify animal control and licensing officials about these restrictions within thirty days to ensure enforcement, while also allowing convicted individuals to petition the court once per year to potentially shorten the ban if they demonstrate rehabilitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new project within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to prevent human trafficking and support the health and safety of sex workers. The legislation requires the department to create a strategic plan that offers resources such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, and cash assistance, while also setting up a public system for reporting incidents of trafficking or abuse. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "commercial sex" and "sex worker" and mandates the formation of an interagency committee to study the decriminalization of sex work. These measures aim to reduce the vulnerability of individuals involved in sex work and those at risk of trafficking by providing concrete support services and a formal reporting mechanism.

Senate, February 29, 2024 --The committee on Elder Affairs, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 381) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jack Patrick Lewis, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish an LGBTQI long-term care facility bill of rights; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 637) of Jack Patrick Lewis, Sarah K. Peake and others relative to the right, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2604).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new parole review process for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts who are at least 55 years old and have served either half of their sentence or 15 years, whichever comes first. It mandates that the parole board schedule a hearing within 60 days of eligibility, giving special attention to the person's age, long-term confinement, and any physical or mental conditions. The legislation also requires the provision of legal counsel and expert funds for indigent defendants, while prohibiting bias based on race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the bill directs the parole board to submit an annual report detailing the demographics and outcomes of these hearings to state legislators.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect the in-person visitation rights of incarcerated individuals by prohibiting correctional facilities from unreasonably restricting access. It mandates that facilities provide at least five four-hour visiting periods per week and allows visitors to travel from over 75 miles away without prior approval if they pass a background check. The legislation also bans discrimination against visitors based on their criminal history or past incarceration and requires that new visitors be allowed to see an inmate within ten days of their request. Additionally, it prevents facilities from forcing inmates to choose between visiting family and other loved ones and stops the requirement for pre-approval lists to be reset when an inmate is transferred to a new facility.