Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an agricultural healthy incentives program in Massachusetts that directly affects Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The program would allow these individuals to receive a matching benefit on their EBT cards when they purchase fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruits and vegetables at participating vendors. The Department of Transitional Assistance, in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Public Health, would operate the program and set specific spending limits. This initiative aims to encourage healthier food choices among low-income families by providing financial incentives for buying produce.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid at Massachusetts public colleges and universities to high school graduates who have attended and graduated from a local high school for at least three years, regardless of their immigration status. It specifically excludes nonimmigrant aliens on certain federal visa categories and the University of Massachusetts Medical School and School of Law from these provisions. To qualify, eligible students must provide proof of their social security or taxpayer identification number, documentation of selective service registration if applicable, and an affidavit stating their intent to apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence within 120 days. The legislation clarifies that these students cannot be denied in-state benefits based on their eligibility under this new rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts labor laws to allow public employees to strike after a mandatory six-month negotiation period. It extends the time required for mediation in labor disputes to no more than six months and removes certain restrictions that previously applied once negotiations reached an impasse. The law specifically prohibits strikes, work stoppages, or service slowdowns by public safety workers and other public employees until this six-month window has passed. These changes directly affect public sector workers and their unions by altering the timeline and conditions under which they can legally stop working.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Climate Bank, a public entity designed to help fund climate and clean energy projects across the state. The bank will operate under a board of directors and has the authority to provide various financial tools such as loans, loan guarantees, and credit enhancements to support innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve energy efficiency. Its primary goal is to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy while ensuring that disadvantaged and low-income communities benefit from these developments. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "climate and clean energy innovations" to guide the bank's activities in line with the state's existing emission limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Massachusetts to petition the court to seal their eviction records if the eviction was not caused by nonpayment of rent or a breach of the lease agreement. The law defines specific terms such as "no-fault eviction" to clarify which cases are eligible for sealing and requires that all appeals be exhausted before a petition can be filed. By removing these records from public view, the legislation aims to help tenants with clean rental histories improve their chances of securing future housing. The changes apply to anyone with a relevant court record in the state's trial court system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new minimum wage requirement specifically for workers at hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts. It mandates that these facilities pay their employees at least 150% of the state's standard minimum hourly wage. The law covers a wide range of staff, including doctors, nurses, maintenance workers, and clerical employees, while explicitly excluding long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. To enforce this rule, the state's health department must create regulations within 180 days of the bill passing, ensuring compliance for all covered hospitals and health centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require that individuals with mental health or substance use disorders who are admitted to certain facilities be initially placed in a specialized forensic unit. These units must be physically separate from general areas and include specific security restrictions, adequate staffing with specialized training, and an environment designed for the unique needs of this patient population. The legislation applies to various admission conditions outlined in Chapter 123 of the General Laws, ensuring that those meeting specific criteria receive care within these designated settings upon entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal presumption that certain medical conditions or work-related absences for frontline healthcare workers are caused by occupational exposure to COVID-19. It specifically protects workers who were infected or required quarantine by June 15, 2021, by allowing them to take time off without using accrued sick leave, vacation, or personal time. The legislation mandates that employers must allow these workers to return to their previous positions once their quarantine or recovery period ends, provided the employer followed relevant safety guidelines like providing personal protective equipment. Additionally, the bill considers healthcare workers eligible for unemployment benefits if they choose not to return to work due to a good-faith concern about exposure.