Rep. Marcus Vaughn

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Massachusetts law to establish a specific minimum wage for young workers under 18 who are in a training period. It directly affects minors under 18 who work 20 hours or less per week and require a work permit, allowing them to earn at least $10 per hour for their first 120 hours with a new employer. The legislation creates a defined training period of up to 120 hours where these specific youth workers are exempt from the standard minimum wage requirements that would otherwise apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated trust fund to help public school districts install carbon monoxide detection systems in buildings that use fossil fuels or have enclosed parking. The fund will be administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in partnership with the Department of Fire Safety, which will review and approve installation plans submitted by schools before releasing grant money. Additionally, the legislation requires annual reports on the fund's status and mandates that future school construction projects include plans for these safety alarms. By creating a specific financial source and updating building codes, the bill aims to ensure schools have the necessary equipment to detect carbon monoxide leaks.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts education code to require schools to include prescription opioid abuse prevention in their violence prevention curriculum. The change specifically directs educators to teach students about the prescription drug epidemic and explain how misuse of these medications can lead to addiction to other substances like heroin. By adding this topic to existing legal requirements, the legislation ensures that all public schools address the risks associated with prescription opioids as part of their standard safety education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand protections against discrimination in education based on a person's medical status. It defines "special medical status" to include disabilities and whether an individual is receiving or not receiving medical treatment. The changes apply to both initial admission and continued enrollment, ensuring these protections cover students already in schools. By adding "special medical status" to the list of protected categories, the legislation aims to prevent discrimination against students due to their health conditions or treatment choices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require public hearings before schools change mascots or other branding that references specific people, groups, races, or identities. It mandates that the school district holding the hearing must invite at least one representative of the referenced group to attend and speak on the proposed change. Additionally, the state commissioner is tasked with creating rules to ensure these hearings are conducted properly. The legislation directly affects school districts in Massachusetts that are considering updates to their school names, logos, or team identifiers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts municipalities and schools to place automated external defibrillators at all athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds to improve emergency response for cardiac incidents. It mandates that local parks departments and school systems provide CPR and AED training to relevant staff, coaches, and officials, while also allowing them to contract out for equipment and training services. The legislation further establishes a legal protection for school and municipal staff who act in good faith during emergencies, shielding them from liability unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. Additionally, the bill directs the state education department to offer a list of funding sources for schools that struggle to afford the necessary equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to ensure judges enforce mandatory minimum sentences for firearm-related crimes. It removes judicial immunity from judges who fail to impose required minimum sentences or who grant bail to individuals accused of these offenses. Under the new provisions, judges could face civil lawsuits and be held financially responsible for damages caused by the offender after their release. The measure directly affects sentencing judges and bail officials by creating personal liability for their decisions regarding firearm cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study and report on policies aimed at preventing unemployment fraud in Massachusetts. The eight-member commission will include leaders from the state legislature, the Department of Unemployment Assistance, the state auditor, and the attorney general, with the secretary of labor and workforce development serving as chair. Their primary tasks involve reviewing current anti-fraud measures, analyzing data from the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommending new strategies to stop future fraudulent claims. The commission is required to submit its final findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense in Massachusetts for knowingly helping a child under 18 run away from their parents, guardians, or legal caregivers. The law specifically prohibits actions such as luring, persuading, or inviting a child to abscond from their responsible adult or agency. Penalties vary based on the child's age and the situation; for instance, aiding a child under 14 to flee from parents carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years, while helping a child escape from foster care or state custody can result in up to ten years in prison. Additionally, the bill imposes stricter punishments if the crime occurs within 300 feet of a school or preschool, with minimum fines of $2,500 for violations in those areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Massachusetts to cover autism-related benefits for dependents of policyholders, regardless of the dependent's age. It mandates that various types of health plans, including group policies, hospital service agreements, and health maintenance contracts, must include these specific coverage provisions. The legislation also updates the legal definition of an "eligible dependent" to ensure that children with autism spectrum disorders remain covered by their parents' insurance plans even after turning twenty-six. These changes apply to policies delivered, issued, or renewed within the state, with exceptions for stand-alone dental services and government programs like Medicare.