Rep. Ted Philips

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the examination requirement for Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSWs) and narrows exam focus to Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs). It creates a paid practicum grant program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students in Massachusetts, prioritizing recruitment and retention from historically marginalized and low-income communities. The bill also allows supervisors providing one-on-one mentoring to earn up to 8 continuing education credits per licensing period. An evaluation of the exam removal's impact on workforce diversity, access to behavioral health services, and patient care for vulnerable populations is required, to be submitted to relevant legislative committees.

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.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2184) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, Edward R. Philips, Francisco E. Paulino and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish Diwali Day in the commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 1552 requires shelters, schools, and correctional facilities to provide free disposable menstrual products (like pads, tampons, and liners) to menstruating individuals without stigma. It applies to temporary housing providers (e.g., domestic violence shelters, emergency hotels), all public primary/secondary schools, and correctional facilities (jails, prisons). The bill mandates these products be available in convenient, non-stigmatizing ways, such as in restrooms. This directly affects menstruating people experiencing homelessness, attending school, or in detention. The law creates a new requirement for these specific institutions to cover the cost of products.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects access to library materials in Massachusetts public and school libraries by setting clear standards for selection and challenge processes. It requires schools to adopt written policies (based on American Library Association standards) for selecting materials and handling complaints, ensuring challenged items remain available during review. Librarians are shielded from discipline or loss of licensure for selections made in good faith under these policies. The law directly affects school libraries, librarians, and school committees, prohibiting removal of materials based on personal, political, or doctrinal views. It mandates that material removals require a school committee vote after public hearings, with evidence showing materials lack educational value or are inappropriate for students.

Maddy summaryH 4563 requires Massachusetts school health providers and educators to complete at least 2 hours of evidence-based suicide prevention training every other year as part of existing professional development. New staff hired during years without required training must receive suicide prevention materials within 30 days of employment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop approved training materials with evidence of effectiveness, in consultation with public health and mental health agencies. The bill directly affects all school staff holding or applying for educator licenses in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public school staff - including educators, health providers, and new hires - to complete biennial suicide prevention training using evidence-based methods. It mandates schools to have at least one mental health professional for every 400 students by January 2027. The training must be integrated into existing professional development, and schools must provide suicide prevention materials to new staff within 30 days of hiring. These provisions directly affect school districts, educators, and students by standardizing suicide prevention resources and staffing ratios.

Maddy summaryHD 1035 requires cannabis businesses in Massachusetts to either submit a written statement confirming they won't interfere with employees' union organizing rights or provide a signed "labor peace agreement" with a qualified union. This agreement allows union agents to inform workers about their rights without employer interference, in exchange for the union agreeing not to strike or picket. The bill creates a list of "bona fide labor organizations" (unions meeting specific criteria like having collective bargaining agreements or financial transparency) that businesses can partner with to satisfy the requirement. It applies to all new cannabis business license applicants and renewing license holders, directly affecting how these businesses interact with unions. The law aims to establish clear, structured processes for union engagement within the state's cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill extends the Transportation committee's deadline for reporting on nine specific House documents (3634, 3661, 3662, 3669, 3713, 3738, 3743, 3758, 3761) until Wednesday, March 18, 2026. It grants the committee additional time beyond the standard deadline under House Rule 27. The bill does not change policy or affect constituents directly; it only modifies a procedural timeline for committee work. It was adopted unanimously on September 18, 2025.