Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires state-appointed public boards and commissions to strive for specific diversity goals, aiming for at least 50% female members and 30% members who identify as underrepresented minorities or LGBTQ+. The law defines these groups based on self-identification and sets the percentage targets to align with the state's population data from the U.S. Census. To achieve these goals, appointing authorities must actively recruit diverse candidates and develop plans to attract them from community and professional organizations. Additionally, the bill mandates that all boards and commissions report their membership demographics annually, with the governor's office publishing a public summary of this data to track progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Massachusetts to include an "X" designation on their birth records, driver's licenses, and state identification cards to represent a gender that is neither male nor female. To update their birth records, adults or emancipated minors must submit a sworn affidavit confirming their gender identity without needing any medical documentation or court orders. Similarly, obtaining a driver's license or ID with an "X" designation requires no supporting paperwork, and the state will collect annual demographic data on these choices while protecting individual privacy. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all state forms offering gender options must include a choice beyond male and female by January 2025 and requires agencies to inform youth about these new options.

Senate, July 24, 2023 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification (Senate, No. 2207),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2425).

Maddy summaryThis bill empowers the Massachusetts Attorney General to file civil lawsuits against individuals who abuse, mistreat, neglect, or steal from nursing home residents and other patients. It establishes specific monetary penalties for these offenses, ranging from $25,000 for cases without injury to $250,000 if the abuse results in death. Additionally, the legislation sets a four-year time limit for the Attorney General to initiate these civil actions. The law clarifies that these new penalties do not replace existing legal options available to private parties or other government departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges and certain appointed officials in Massachusetts serve their terms. Under the new rules, these individuals would currently serve ten-year terms before needing to be reappointed by the Governor and reconfirmed by the Governor's Council. The amendment aims to ensure regular review of these officials by limiting their active service to ten years and requiring a renewal process before they can continue in their roles. This change would apply to judges, members of the Industrial Accident Board, and other officials whose appointments are made by the Governor.

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Norma Powell for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the term of judicial officers. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Norma Powell for legislation to reform the judicial system. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5405) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Jason M. Lewis and Richard M. Haggerty (by vote of the town) that the town of Reading be authorized to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5403) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Jason M. Lewis and Richard M. Haggerty (by vote of the town) that the town of Reading be authorized to continue the employment of Anthony Del Signore, the assistant fire chief of said town. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose and Senator Lewis, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3767) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Jason M. Lewis (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Melrose be authorized to regulate certain property tax exemption eligibility requirements for the elderly in said city. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]