Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals with eviction records to have those records sealed under specific conditions, aiming to help people secure future housing. It defines key terms such as "eviction action" and "no-fault eviction" to clarify which cases are eligible for sealing, while also establishing rules for how consumer reporting agencies and courts must handle these records. The legislation requires that sealed eviction records be treated as if they never existed for the purpose of rental applications and credit checks, thereby removing barriers to housing for tenants who have faced past evictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify that specific consumer protections do not apply to online car sales where the buyer signs the contract electronically away from the dealer's physical location. It directly affects automobile dealers holding a Class 1 license and consumers purchasing vehicles through these remote digital transactions. The key provision requires dealers to explicitly inform buyers in writing at the time of sale that these particular statutory protections are waived for such online agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to create a comprehensive plan for regulating facial recognition technology across the state. It defines key terms like "facial recognition" and "biometric surveillance technology" to ensure clarity in future rules. The legislation requires the Attorney General to submit a report outlining how the state will manage the use of these technologies by public and private entities. Ultimately, the bill aims to establish a formal framework for oversight rather than immediately banning or mandating specific uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires any organization or entity in Massachusetts that receives public funds to follow federal laws when returning Native American human remains, sacred objects, or cultural items to their tribes. Specifically, it mandates that groups holding these items must adhere to the penalties and requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act if they plan to remove them from their collections. The law applies to a wide range of recipients, including government agencies, nonprofits, and trusts that use state or local money. By enforcing these existing federal standards, the bill aims to ensure that Native American heritage items are repatriated in accordance with established legal definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide ban on law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts using facial recognition or other remote biometric surveillance technology, with the exception of the Department of Motor Vehicles for verifying driver identities. It directly affects police departments and other public safety organizations by prohibiting them from acquiring, possessing, or contracting for such software unless explicitly authorized by a separate law. The legislation also ensures that any evidence obtained through the unauthorized use of these tools cannot be used in court proceedings. By defining specific terms like "biometric surveillance technology" and "public agency," the law creates clear boundaries for what is permitted while restricting the ability of government entities to use automated systems that identify individuals based on their physical features.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, a national agreement that allows licensed occupational therapists and assistants to practice across state lines with a single license. Under the new rules, a professional's primary home state becomes their "home state," while they can practice in other member states as "remote states" without needing separate licenses for each location. The legislation establishes a national commission to oversee the compact and creates a shared data system to track licenses and disciplinary actions among participating states. It also defines key terms such as adverse actions, encumbered licenses, and continuing competence requirements to ensure consistent standards across the compact.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to public higher education in Massachusetts by allowing high school graduates who have attended and graduated from a local high school for at least three years to pay in-state tuition rates. It specifically applies to students who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents but have completed their secondary education within the state, with limited exceptions for medical and law schools. To qualify, eligible students must provide a social security number or an individual taxpayer identification number, along with documentation showing they have applied for citizenship or permanent residency within 120 days if they are not yet citizens. The legislation also requires those eligible for military selective service to register, while ensuring that no one loses their in-state tuition eligibility based on this new provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to streamline access to gender-affirming health care for transgender and non-binary individuals. It prohibits insurance companies, healthcare divisions, and other regulated entities from rejecting a single letter from a qualified mental health professional that confirms the medical necessity of such care. The legislation defines a qualified professional as one who meets specific training standards set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. By limiting the documentation required to one letter, the bill aims to reduce administrative barriers and ensure that individuals can receive necessary treatments without facing unnecessary delays or denials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover gender-affirming hair removal procedures, such as laser hair removal and electrolysis, for two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and other gender-diverse individuals. The law mandates that these treatments be covered when prescribed by a treating provider as medically necessary for affirming a person's gender identity. Insurance carriers are prohibited from classifying these procedures as cosmetic if they are part of a gender-affirming medical treatment plan. Additionally, the bill ensures that these benefits are not subject to higher deductibles, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits compared to other covered services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve legal support and housing security for people facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. It creates a new advisory committee to oversee the program and defines specific legal actions, such as those involving mobile home parks or public housing, as "covered proceedings." The legislation designates non-profit organizations to provide legal counsel to individuals involved in these housing-related cases. By formalizing this support system, the bill aims to ensure that tenants have access to legal representation when their housing stability is at risk.