Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in Massachusetts serving students in grades six through twelve to provide free disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in school restrooms. The law mandates that these items be available at no cost to students and must be distributed in a way that avoids stigmatizing anyone who uses them. School districts are authorized to adjust the quantity of products based on usage rates to ensure adequate supply. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on August 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of an Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board in Massachusetts to review services and public policies for individuals with acquired brain injuries and their families. The board would be composed of state officials, healthcare leaders, and eight members appointed by the Governor, including people with acquired brain injuries, their family members, and community providers. Its main duties would involve analyzing data on brain injuries, monitoring the implementation of existing service recommendations, and advising on the annual state strategic plan for brain injury care.

By Representative Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2611) of Michael J. Moran and others relative to the collective bargaining rights for employees of the Committee on Public Counsel Services. Public Service.

By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2594) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., and others relative to a post-traumatic stress disorder presumption for certain retirement benefits. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts election laws to use gender-neutral language, replacing specific male pronouns like "him," "his," and "he" with neutral terms such as "them," "their," and "they." It directly affects the official text of the state's election statutes by amending multiple sections to ensure descriptions of candidates, officials, and roles are inclusive of all genders. The legislation removes gendered terms like "chairmen" and "alderman," substituting them with "chairpersons" and "alderperson" to reflect modern standards of inclusivity. By making these specific word-for-word changes, the bill ensures that election records and legal documents do not assume a male gender for any position or individual.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how Massachusetts currently handles children and adolescents with severe behavioral health needs that existing hospital or community programs cannot address. The commission will be made up of 23 members, including government officials, healthcare representatives, and community advocates, with a specific focus on gathering diverse perspectives from families and different geographic areas. Its primary task is to create demographic profiles of these youths, identify barriers to care, review current treatment models, and examine ways to keep children out of the juvenile court system. The group must complete its work and submit a final report with recommendations to state lawmakers and relevant committees by January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to update the rules for licensing social workers in Massachusetts to ensure fair treatment and clearer pathways for those seeking certification. It modifies existing state laws by removing gendered language, eliminating redundant exam requirements, and creating a new provisional license for applicants who have failed the social work associate exam twice but are within a specific score range. Under the new provisions, individuals granted this provisional license would have one year to complete required professional development and supervision before receiving a full license without needing to retake the exam. The changes directly affect social work applicants, current licensees, and the Board of Social Work Examiners by streamlining the licensure process and standardizing terminology.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new student loan repayment program in Massachusetts designed to support human services workers who have earned degrees or certificates. To qualify, employees of designated community-based organizations must work at least 35 hours per week and have completed 12 consecutive months of employment in the field. The program prioritizes applicants with lower salaries, bilingual skills, or experience in direct care, offering up to $30,000 in loan repayment assistance depending on the applicant's highest degree. The executive office of health and human services will manage the program using guidelines set by the department of higher education.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates "Nicky's Law" to broaden the definition of an employer for MassHealth day habilitation programs. It directly affects entities that provide services or treatment to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities under specific contracts, funding, or licenses with the state. By expanding who qualifies as an employer, the law aims to ensure these service providers adhere to existing protections for people with disabilities. The change clarifies that any organization operating under these state agreements is subject to the same employment standards as traditional employers.

By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2577) of Kathleen R. LaNatra and others relative to credible service for retirement purposes for school nurses. Public Service.