By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts, making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle or ride as a passenger without wearing a safety belt. Drivers face a $50 fine for not wearing a belt themselves, while those with passengers aged 12 to under 16 must also pay an additional $50 for each unbelted child. The law explicitly prohibits insurance surcharges for these violations and forbids police from searching a vehicle solely based on a seat belt infraction. Revenue generated from these tickets will be directed to a trust fund for head injury treatment services, and the law will become effective 180 days after enactment.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2311) of Marjorie C. Decker that the commissioner of Criminal Justice Services be authorized to establish a list of persons who disavow eligibility to purchase firearms. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2409) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco that law enforcement departments provide resources to ensure officers can make accurate statements. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2408) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to the membership of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2323) of Peter J. Durant relative to permitting the manufacture and sale of sling shots. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to restructure the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission by increasing its membership from the current number to 11 members. The new composition would include representatives appointed by various stakeholders, such as the governor, attorney general, labor unions, minority law enforcement groups, and civil rights organizations, ensuring a broader range of perspectives. Specific roles are designated for a police chief, a retired judge, a social worker, and professionals from juvenile diversion programs to enhance the commission's diversity and expertise. By mandating nominations from specific associations and organizations, the legislation aims to create a more inclusive body responsible for setting training standards for peace officers in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands domestic violence protections in Massachusetts to include contract workers employed by staffing agencies and other third-party labor providers. It achieves this by legally defining these workers and their employers, ensuring they have the same right as traditional employees to take time off for safety reasons related to domestic violence. The change removes the previous restriction that limited these protections only to direct employees, thereby covering a broader range of workers in the Commonwealth.
Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1166) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna, Brian M. Ashe, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1919) of Joseph D. McKenna, Ryan C. Fattman and others relative to employment protections for domestic violence victims, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2479).
