Sen. Vanna Howard

Co-sponsor S 629

Passed · Massachusetts Senate · Co-sponsor

An Act relative to fairness in debt collection

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate debt collection practices and protect consumers from aggressive collection tactics. It defines key terms such as "consumer," "creditor," and "debt buyer" to clarify who is covered under the new rules. The legislation specifically mandates that a consumer's weekly earnings must be exempt from garnishment if they are less than 65 times the state or federal minimum hourly wage. This provision ensures that low-income individuals cannot have their essential income seized to satisfy a judgment for consumer debt.

Passed Jun 12, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 3359

Passed · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3359) of Kay Khan and others that the Registry of Motor Vehicles design certain envelopes to enhance effective communications and interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. Transportation.

Passed May 24, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary H 34

Passed · Massachusetts House · Lead sponsor

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the term of judicial officers

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how Massachusetts judges serve their terms by replacing lifetime tenure with fixed seven-year terms. Under this plan, judges would initially serve seven years and then require a majority vote from the state council to be reappointed for additional seven-year terms. The amendment also establishes specific rules for removing judges, including mandatory retirement at age 70 and provisions for removal due to disability or misconduct. These changes would directly affect all state judicial officers by altering the length of their service and the process for their continued employment.

Passed Apr 27, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HD 4215

In committee · Massachusetts House · Lead sponsor

Resolve providing for a special commission to examine anti-slavery education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

By Representative Howard of Lowell, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Vanna Howard and Samantha Montaño for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to examine anti-slavery education in schools. Education.

In committee Apr 10, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor S 3158

Passed · Massachusetts Senate · Co-sponsor

An Act directing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain parcels of land in the city of Lowell to the University of Massachusetts Building Authority

Senate, December 22, 2022 - The committee on Ways and Means to whom was referred Senate Bill relative to real property in Lowell (Senate, No. 3138); reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act directing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain parcels of land in the city of Lowell to the University of Massachusetts Building Authority" (Senate, No. 3158).

Passed Jan 3, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 5416

In committee · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act relative to the Lowell Civic Stadium Commission and Edward A. LeLacheur Park

In committee Dec 29, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 5449

Passed · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act relative to the Lowell Civic Stadium Commission and Edward A. LeLacheur Park

Passed Dec 29, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 5103

Passed · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act to reduce traffic fatalities

Passed Dec 27, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 2253

Passed · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act to create a timely stroke system of care to save lives

By Mr. Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2253) of Mark J. Cusack and others relative to establishing pre-hospital care protocols and point-of-entry plans to ensure stroke patients are transported to the most appropriate facility. Public Health.

Passed Dec 27, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor H 2370

Passed · Massachusetts House · Co-sponsor

An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 vaccination

By Representatives Miranda of Boston and Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2370) of Liz Miranda, Mindy Domb and others relative to providing for equity in the administering of COVID-19 vaccinations. Public Health.

Passed Dec 27, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track