Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts law enforcement and correctional officers to complete new training on interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training, which must be established by municipal police training committees by January 1, 2024, focuses on de-escalating situations and providing positive responses without adding to existing mandatory training hours. It also mandates the creation of specific guidelines for how officers should handle interactions with these individuals who are victims, witnesses, or suspects in criminal matters. The legislation applies to a wide range of agencies, including city and town police, state police, university police, and correctional facility officers.
Rep. Marcus Vaughn
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt public high schools from certain safety regulations when operating hoisting equipment for vocational technical education programs. The exemption applies only if the school meets specific existing requirements, the supervising instructor is present at all times, and that instructor holds a valid license and is designated as the person in charge. The change directly affects schools running vocational programs that use cranes or similar machinery, allowing them to operate under these specific conditions without full compliance with the general restrictions.
By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2338) of James K. Hawkins, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., and others relative to benefits for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2351) of Kay Khan and others relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the quality of coaching staff at club sports facilities in Massachusetts, specifically focusing on those who work with children and young adults. The commission will be composed of legislators, state officials, and representatives from various sectors including sports facilities, parent advocacy groups, and student athletes. Its main task is to investigate current hiring practices, training needs, and reporting mechanisms, while also exploring the creation of a statewide licensing board to regulate these facilities. By June 2024, the group must submit its findings and draft legislation to the state legislature to implement any recommended changes.
By Representative Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to public schools' emergency alert systems. Education.
By Representatives Kassner of Hamilton and Gordon of Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner, Kenneth I. Gordon and Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and constables. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and Liz Miranda relative to zoning voting thresholds. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to provide financial assistance to retired police officers and firefighters who develop medical complications from COVID-19 contracted while on duty. Under the new provision, the state will cover reasonable medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, and pharmaceuticals, incurred after the law takes effect for conditions that are directly linked to a work-related infection. To qualify for these benefits, a retired employee or their family must submit a written application and receive certification from a review panel consisting of local officials and medical professionals who verify the connection between the illness and the employee's service. The legislation also sets a requirement that the medical expenses must have been incurred within six months prior to the application being filed.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing the composition of the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to include 11 members. It would add two representatives from the Massachusetts District Attorney's Association, one sworn state police officer nominated by the State Police Association, and one juvenile diversion program professional. These new members would be appointed based on specific nomination lists rather than the current selection process. The change aims to broaden the representation on the commission that sets training standards for law enforcement in the state.