Rep. Richard Wells

Maddy summaryHD 1540 establishes a Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund in Massachusetts to provide grants for pediatric cancer research and support projects. The fund receives state appropriations, private donations, and interest, with unused balances carrying forward annually. It supports two types of projects: research focused on causes, prevention, or treatment of childhood cancer (capping operational costs at 5%), and resource projects offering education, awareness, or psychosocial support (also capping operational costs at 5%). A 7-member advisory committee, including cancer survivors and advocates, will manage grant allocations, and the Health and Human Services office must report annually to legislative committees on funded projects and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2682) amends Massachusetts law to expand protections for transit workers against assault and battery. It explicitly adds "public transit worker" to the list of protected employees under Section 13D of Chapter 265, and defines "assault and battery" to include attacks using bodily substances like blood, saliva, or urine. The law now treats such assaults as more severe offenses, with specific legal definitions clarifying what constitutes a "bodily substance." This directly affects transit workers by making assaults against them a distinct criminal violation under state law. The changes provide clearer legal grounds for prosecuting attacks on transit staff using bodily substances.

Maddy summaryHD 2209 strengthens penalties for sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of trust or authority over children. The bill targets individuals like teachers, coaches, mentors, caregivers, or family members who sexually assault minors (ages 14-17 or under 14) while in such roles or afterward. For victims aged 14-17, offenders face up to 10 years in prison; for victims under 14, sentences are life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years (no probation, parole, or sentence reductions for 10 years). The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and removes defenses based on the termination of the trusted relationship. This bill directly affects offenders in trusted roles and provides enhanced protections for child victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any Massachusetts state or local government contract receiving state funds must employ up to 2% of workers with disabilities, provided the contractor employs at least 75 full-time equivalent workers. It specifically applies to service contracts for janitorial, landscaping, food services, facility management, and other similar work. The law defines "individuals with disabilities" broadly to include various physical and mental conditions, and mandates that agencies like the Massachusetts Office on Disability will implement the rule within one year of contract award. Contractors must also use nonprofit employment providers to support workers with disabilities, while minimizing displacement of current workers.

Maddy summaryThis proposed Massachusetts bill (H 4620) requires state-funded service contracts (such as janitorial, food services, or facility management) to employ up to 10% of workers with disabilities. Contracts must employ at least 75 full-time equivalent workers, with the 10% requirement met within one year of award. The law defines "individuals with disabilities" broadly to include physical, mental, or neurological conditions affecting work, and directs specific state agencies to oversee implementation and provide employment support. It applies to all state or local government contracts receiving legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryHD 867 establishes an advisory board to review and advise on services and policies for people with acquired brain injuries (including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors) and their families. The board, composed of 20 members including state agency representatives, individuals with brain injuries, family caregivers, clinicians, and service providers, will meet quarterly to assess needs, monitor access to rehabilitation services, and track implementation of prior recommendations. It must file biennial reports with state leaders detailing progress on improving community-based support services and policy changes. The bill directly affects individuals with acquired brain injuries, their families, and the state agencies responsible for their care.

Maddy summaryHD 758 adds a veteran allowance to retirement benefits for public retirees who are veterans. It provides an additional $50 per year of service (capped at $1,000 total) for veterans in Group 1, 2, or 4 retirement systems. Retirement systems must approve the change via board vote and legislative body approval, though the state teachers' and employees' systems are already deemed to have accepted it. The allowance applies prospectively only, with no retroactive payments allowed.

Maddy summaryHD 4466 is a special bill for Casey L'Italien, a Randolph police officer injured on duty in 2021. It requires the Norfolk County Retirement Board to increase her disability retirement allowance to match what she would have earned as an active officer, covers her related medical expenses, and allows her to earn up to half her retirement amount without penalty. The bill also provides survivor benefits: her spouse (if married at the time of injury) receives 75% of her pension upon her death, and minor or incapacitated children receive payments if both she and her spouse die before the children turn 18. This bill directly affects only Casey L'Italien and her dependents, with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools (public, private, charter, and religious) to adopt formal abuse prevention policies and implement specific safety measures. It mandates biennial training for school staff on recognizing, preventing, and reporting abuse or sexual misconduct, and requires age-appropriate student education on boundaries, healthy relationships, and reporting concerns. Schools must also conduct thorough background checks on applicants for positions involving direct student contact, including verifying employment history and any past investigations into misconduct allegations. The bill directly affects educators, school staff, and students by establishing standardized safety protocols and reporting procedures across all school settings.

By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.