Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to oversee Massachusetts building codes with a focus on climate safety. The board will consist of 17 members, including government officials and experts in areas like energy efficiency, climate resilience, and advanced building technology, who will be appointed by the governor. Additionally, the legislation establishes new legal definitions for terms such as "climate risks" and "expanded floodplain maps" to ensure future building standards account for projected climate changes like rising sea levels and increased storm intensity.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Massachusetts legislators to allocate additional money for programs that protect animals and ensure their safety. It specifically requires that fines collected from animal-related violations be placed into a special fund rather than the state's general budget. The legislation also mandates that any new animal health initiatives receive approval from an existing advisory committee before implementation. These changes aim to create a dedicated financial source for animal welfare efforts while adding a layer of oversight to how such programs are developed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary training program for medical and allied health students to improve their care of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The Department of Public Health will work with The Arc of Massachusetts to develop this curriculum, which builds on an existing initiative called Operation House Call. To earn certification, participating schools must offer the training as an optional course that includes at least six hours of instruction covering best practices and diverse patient needs. The department will then publish an annual list of schools that have successfully completed the program and meet established standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily tasks to participate in the Personal Care Attendant program. It specifically targets people who are currently eligible for the program but require assistance with two or more activities of daily living due to their need for guidance. The legislation directs the relevant state division to update its standards and regulations to formally include these individuals as eligible members. By making this change, the bill aims to expand access to support services for a specific group of residents who previously might have been excluded from the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to allow veterans who were discharged under other than honorable conditions specifically due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status to receive a veterans' bonus. It achieves this by updating eligibility criteria to recognize these specific discharge reasons as grounds for receiving the bonus, provided the veteran's DD-214 form or equivalent documentation supports the claim. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these veterans remain eligible for the bonus even if their discharge status is technically other than honorable, ensuring they are not excluded based on the nature of their discharge alone. The primary effect is to expand financial support to a specific group of veterans who faced discrimination during their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to give the Department of Children and Families more authority to review animals in homes where foster or adoptive parents are applying. It allows the department to request behavior assessments and veterinary records from applicants, with the cost of these assessments paid by the parent or applicant. While the bill permits the department to consider factors like a dog's breed, size, and history of dangerous behavior when making placement decisions, it explicitly states that a child cannot be denied placement solely because a specific dog breed is present in the home. The legislation also enables the department to create new regulations to carry out these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the options for handling human remains in Massachusetts by legally recognizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction alongside traditional cremation. It directly affects funeral homes, cemeteries, and families by amending state laws to allow these new methods and updating definitions to include them. The legislation requires facilities that offer these services to have their equipment and land designated specifically for the disposal of the dead, similar to current rules for cremation. By adding these terms to various sections of the General Laws, the bill formalizes these processes as standard alternatives for end-of-life care.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that every high school in Massachusetts offering interscholastic sports must employ a licensed athletic trainer to ensure student safety. It requires these trainers to complete annual head injury safety training and updates existing laws to explicitly include athletic trainers alongside coaches in relevant legal definitions. By making this staffing requirement universal, the legislation aims to standardize medical oversight for student athletes across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill directs state agencies to conduct a study on the staffing and resources needed for regional climate change planning. It specifically tasks the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience, the Department of Environmental Protection, and twelve regional planning agencies with analyzing current capacity. The study must ensure that both rural and urban communities receive adequate support and submit its findings and recommendations to the state legislature by March 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for setting payment rates for workers who provide support services to individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It creates two distinct categories of staff: entry-level workers with minimal experience and more experienced staff who have supervisory duties or advanced training. The legislation requires the state's Department of Developmental Services to use these specific definitions when calculating how much to pay these direct care professionals. By clarifying these roles, the bill aims to ensure that rate-setting processes accurately reflect the different levels of responsibility and skill required in disability support jobs.