Sen. Vanna Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prohibit businesses from refusing to accept cash payments from customers. The only exception allowed is if the business can demonstrate that a prepaid card with no conversion fee is readily available at the location. This change directly affects merchants and consumers by ensuring cash remains a valid form of payment. The legislation aims to prevent discrimination against buyers who prefer to use physical currency.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state-level framework to improve emergency responses to active shooter or hostile events in Massachusetts. It creates an executive council within the Department of Public Safety that includes representatives from law enforcement, fire services, medical professionals, and other key groups to coordinate planning and training. The legislation mandates the adoption of a specific national standard for these situations and requires the department to set minimum training requirements for all emergency responders. Additionally, the council must meet quarterly to oversee efforts and submit an annual report to the legislature by June 30.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates running for public office in Massachusetts to use campaign funds to pay for child care services during campaign activities. It defines child care to include babysitting from various providers and permits payments to family members only if they operate a professional daycare or charge market rates. The legislation also requires the director of campaign finance to create specific regulations governing these expenses by December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to allow candidates to use campaign funds for child-care services required because of their political activities. It defines these services broadly to include care from individuals, non-profits, and for-profit organizations, while restricting payments to family members unless they operate a professional daycare or babysitting service. The legislation also permits candidates to claim expenses for child-care that would not otherwise exist but for their campaign. Finally, it requires the director of campaign and political finance to create specific regulations outlining these rules by December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new requirement for the state's data advisory commission to study and recommend how the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should publish detailed special education data. The proposed data would include student-specific information on services received, such as assistive technology and behavioral plans, broken down by factors like race, gender, income status, and disability category while ensuring no personally identifiable information is revealed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that private special education schools receiving state funding submit annual financial reports and audits to the department and state auditor, with specific details on compensation and program costs. A separate provision directs the secretary of education to study best practices for overseeing these private schools to ensure appropriate educational programming and services are provided.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the MassMade Program within the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to identify, connect, and support local businesses that produce consumer goods within the state. The program will create a publicly accessible resource for consumers to find locally made products while helping businesses identify obstacles and serving as a hub for regional economic organizations. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on encouraging local companies to bid on state projects and mandates a feasibility study for an online system to facilitate the exchange of procurement information related to Massachusetts-made goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools and contracted service providers in Massachusetts to conduct background checks on job applicants who will have direct or regular contact with students. To qualify for employment, applicants must provide a list of their current and relevant former employers, along with written consent to release information about any past investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct. Schools must then verify this information by contacting employers to confirm whether the applicant has ever been investigated, disciplined, or separated from a job due to such allegations. The law specifically defines "sexual misconduct" to include behaviors like making sexually suggestive comments or soliciting dates, ensuring these checks cover a broad range of potential risks. Ultimately, the bill aims to prevent individuals with substantiated histories of abuse or sexual misconduct from working in positions where they could interact with children.

By Representatives Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose and Owens of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3371) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Steven Owens and Vanna Howard for legislation to establish the trucking industry workforce training fund. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to qualifying low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, cost impacts, and eligibility verification methods while gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans by October 15, 2023, and allows regional authorities to explore no-fare options if they are more cost-effective than means-tested fares.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to stop the practice of suspending driver's licenses or vehicle registrations solely because a person owes money for unpaid parking tickets. It directly affects drivers in Massachusetts who might otherwise lose their ability to drive due to financial hardship rather than dangerous behavior. The law requires parking authorities to send text messages and emails to remind drivers about unpaid fines and explains how they can request a fee reduction based on their financial situation. Additionally, the bill removes the legal basis for using unpaid parking debt to block license renewals and ensures that proof of payment or a granted hardship waiver is accepted to clear a driver's record.