Sen. Vanna Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the Department of Correction and local sheriffs provide free voice telephone services to all inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities, including jails and mental health units. The law requires these communication services to be available at all times, provided they do not disrupt educational programs or daily facility operations. Additionally, the bill ensures that both the incarcerated person and the recipient of the call incur no charges for these calls for a period of 90 days following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to make it easier for families harmed by lead exposure to recover damages from manufacturers and sellers. It allows individuals to sue without needing to identify the specific company that placed the lead product into commerce, as long as they can prove they were exposed to lead in their blood or bones. The law establishes that a plaintiff can win a case by showing the defendant sold lead products knowing harm was likely and failed to prevent it, while also providing specific defenses for companies that took reasonable steps to ensure safety. Additionally, the bill permits courts to split financial responsibility among multiple companies based on their market share if several parties contributed to the harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to more clearly define and penalize the unauthorized recording of individuals in private or intimate situations, commonly referred to as "upskirting." It directly affects anyone who secretly photographs, videotapes, or uses electronic devices to view another person's visual image without their consent. The legislation establishes specific definitions for terms like "electronically surveils," "partially nude," and "sexual or other intimate parts" to ensure the law covers various scenarios involving privacy violations. Under the new provisions, offenders face fines and potential jail time, with harsher penalties applying if the victim is a minor or otherwise incompetent. The bill also clarifies that a victim's actual knowledge and consent serve as a legal defense against these charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require police officers responding to domestic violence calls to inform victims about local shelters. The amendment specifically mandates that this information be provided in the victim's native language using translation services whenever possible. It directly affects law enforcement officers and individuals involved in domestic violence situations within the state. The change aims to improve access to resources for non-English speakers by ensuring communication barriers are addressed during initial police interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require individuals convicted of specific crimes against seniors or residents of senior housing to register annually with the office of probation for five years. The registration process involves submitting personal details such as address, physical description, and a photograph to create a central registry. Failure to comply with these registration requirements could result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to extend the time limit for prosecuting incest cases in Massachusetts. It directly affects victims of incest and law enforcement agencies by delaying the start of the prosecution clock. The key provision states that the clock will not begin until the victim turns 16 or 18, depending on the specific charge, or until the crime is reported to police, whichever happens first. This change aims to give survivors more time to come forward and seek justice.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts civil rights law to address false police claims made against individuals based on their protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or disability. It directly affects people who experience these incidents and the legal system by establishing that intentionally summoning police without reasonable suspicion of a crime, solely because of bias, is a civil violation. The key provision allows affected individuals to sue for damages or injunctive relief, even if no physical injury occurred, provided the court determines the claim was made due to bias. Additionally, the law clarifies that a person lacks reasonable suspicion if a reasonable person in the same situation would not have suspected criminal activity or an immediate threat.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to strengthen protections for tenants who withhold rent while legal disputes are ongoing. It requires courts to promptly hear requests from tenants who want to deposit withheld rent into a secure account while their case is pending. If a tenant fails to follow the court's order to make these deposits, the judge can schedule an immediate trial and issue further directives to resolve the situation. The measure directly affects landlords, tenants, and judges involved in eviction proceedings by formalizing the process for handling rent escrows during legal delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows minors aged 13 and older in Massachusetts to directly petition courts for protection orders against abuse and harassment without needing a parent or guardian to file on their behalf. Under the new rules, these youth can appear in court alone to request orders under Chapter 209A or Chapter 258E, which cover domestic violence and stalking cases. If a minor aged 13 or older appears without an attorney, the court must appoint one and provide information about victim support services, though emergency hearings can still proceed immediately. Additionally, even when an adult files a request on behalf of a minor in this age group, the judge must consider the minor's own expressed wishes when deciding on relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal "Bill of Rights" for survivors of sexual assault in Massachusetts, ensuring they receive specific protections during medical exams and legal interviews. The law guarantees that survivors have the right to consult with a sexual assault counselor and bring a support person of their choice to any medical or law enforcement interaction. It also clarifies that these rights remain in effect regardless of whether the survivor chooses to report the crime, seek medical attention, or participate in a criminal prosecution. By codifying these protections, the legislation aims to provide a consistent standard of care and support for victims throughout the process.