Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new category called "violent act injury" to cover serious, permanent injuries caused by dangerous weapons like firearms, knives, or vehicles during an attack. It allows state employees in specific groups to receive disability pensions if they become permanently unable to work due to such violent attacks or related hazards while performing their duties. To qualify, the injury must have occurred within two years of the pension application, and the employee must prove through a medical review that they cannot return to their job. The legislation ensures that victims of workplace violence can access financial support similar to those injured by accidental means, provided they did not act with serious and willful misconduct.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover epinephrine injectors, such as EpiPens and pre-filled syringes, for active and retired state employees, Medicaid recipients, and individuals with private insurance. The law mandates that these devices be treated as standard prescription drugs, meaning they cannot have higher deductibles, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits than other covered medications. By defining epinephrine injectors as FDA-approved auto-injectors or equivalent pre-measured syringes, the legislation ensures consistent access to life-saving allergy treatment across different insurance programs within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters in Massachusetts to present specific forms of identification at polling places in order to cast a ballot. Eligible IDs include a voter registration card, social security card, valid driver's license, government-issued ID, or a photo employee ID. If a voter cannot provide one of these documents, they will be denied the opportunity to vote. The law directly impacts all registered voters by adding a mandatory identification step to the voting process.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate whether Massachusetts should create a program to spray pesticides against gypsy moths. The commission will examine current laws, funding needs, and the potential economic, environmental, and public health impacts of such a program. It is composed of state officials and three members appointed by the governor, the Senate president, the House speaker, and the Senate minority leader. The group must submit its findings and draft legislation to relevant state agencies within one year of the bill's passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to streamline the regulatory process for approving subsurface sewage disposal systems, commonly known as septic systems. It specifically allows registered sanitarians to design plans for smaller systems serving up to 2,000 gallons per day, whereas larger systems must be designed by a professional engineer. Additionally, the legislation exempts certain residential property transfers, such as those between spouses or parents and children, from mandatory inspections of existing underground sewage systems. The law also directs the state environmental protection commissioner to minimize paperwork burdens for individuals and businesses while ensuring public safety.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require voters in Massachusetts to present a valid photo identification card before casting a ballot in any public election. The law specifically lists acceptable forms of ID, including a driver's license, government employee card, pilot's license, military ID, Medicaid or Medicare card, and a university photo ID for students. By amending state election laws, the measure directly impacts all registered voters who wish to participate in elections.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters in Massachusetts to present a valid photo ID, MassHealth card, or Medicare card to election officials before casting a ballot. It mandates that the state secretary issue free voting-only identification cards to eligible citizens who do not already possess an acceptable form of ID, featuring a straightforward photo of the voter. The legislation directly impacts all registered voters by establishing new identification rules for federal, state, local, and primary elections.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to allow individuals to collect mushrooms for personal, non-commercial use on specific state parks, forest recreation areas, and reservations managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It grants the department commissioner the authority to designate specific zones where mushroom picking is prohibited and to establish rules for harvesting, while also clarifying that the term "take" includes picking, cutting, or removing mushrooms from these lands. Additionally, the legislation includes a liability protection clause, stating that the department and its employees will not be held responsible for injuries or deaths resulting from mushroom collection or consumption unless such harm was caused by willful or reckless conduct by the department. The changes will not take effect until six months after the bill is passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the Raynham Center Water District selects its clerk and treasurer by switching from an elected process to appointments made by the district's board of water commissioners. Under the new rules, these officials do not need to live in the district and can serve one-year terms that are renewable. The law also ensures that any current elected officials keep their jobs until their terms naturally end, at which point the board will appoint their replacements.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the James Ward Act, increases penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident involving recreational vehicles or snowmobiles. Under current law, leaving the scene after causing bodily injury without stopping to provide identification is punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of $500 to $1,000. The legislation would raise the maximum jail sentence to two and a half years and increase the maximum fine to $5,000 if the accident results in a death. These changes apply specifically to operators of recreational vehicles and snowmobiles who fail to stop and exchange information after a collision that causes injury or death.