Sen. Patrick O'Connor

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow courts to consider a grandparent's visitation rights when the state has custody of a child or a non-parent has temporary guardianship. Under the new provision, judges may grant visitation even if the grandparent does not have a preexisting relationship with the child, focusing instead on whether visitation serves the child's best interests. The change directly affects grandparents seeking access to grandchildren in cases where the parents are unable to care for the child.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows parents or guardians of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders to apply for handicap parking placards. The key provision requires that these placards be used exclusively when the parent or guardian is actively transporting the individual with autism. By adding this specific group to the existing list of eligible applicants, the legislation expands access to designated parking spaces for families of people with autism.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protections for survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and involuntary sexual relations by allowing them to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. It creates a legal definition for these victims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that their involvement in certain offenses was a result of being victimized, removing the strict requirement for official documentation to prove their status. The legislation also eliminates waiting periods for sealing records in cases where a judge determines that substantial justice is best served by the relief. Ultimately, the law aims to help these individuals regain access to opportunities by clearing their records when the offense is linked to their victimization.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts such as circuses and carnivals across Massachusetts. It specifically bans these animals from participating in performances where they are transported in mobile facilities like trucks or trailers for the purpose of entertainment. The law applies to individuals and businesses but explicitly excludes animals housed at permanent, non-mobile institutions that do not transport the animals for the event. Violations of this new chapter can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved, and enforcement is assigned to state and local law enforcement officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal chapter in Massachusetts to protect non-manufacturing sellers, such as retailers and distributors, from being held liable for defective products they did not make. It establishes a mandatory duty for manufacturers to cover the costs, including legal fees, that sellers incur when defending against lawsuits over product defects, provided the seller did not intentionally alter the item. Additionally, the law limits seller liability to specific situations, such as when they designed the product, modified it, gave incorrect instructions, or knew about a defect before selling it. By shifting the financial burden of product liability claims to manufacturers, the legislation aims to ensure that innocent sellers are not unfairly penalized for injuries caused by faulty goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to teach hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator use as part of the physical or health education curriculum for grades 9 through 12. To meet this requirement, school districts must choose a free training program based on a nationally recognized standard that includes hands-on practice for every student. Participation is mandatory for graduation, but students can be exempted if a doctor certifies that the training would be harmful to them or if a parent or guardian submits a written objection. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to lower the approved costs threshold used in education funding calculations from $45,793 to $37,120. The change directly impacts how the state determines financial eligibility for school districts under Chapter 71B. By reducing this specific monetary figure, the legislation alters the baseline cost metric used in the state's education funding formula.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect employees from being disciplined or fired for exercising their First Amendment rights regarding political or religious speech, provided their actions do not significantly interfere with their job performance. It specifically prohibits employers from forcing employees to attend meetings or listen to communications where the main goal is to convey the employer's views on political or religious issues. The law allows for exceptions in cases where communication is legally required, necessary for job duties, part of academic coursework, or involves casual conversations, and it does not apply to religious organizations exempt from certain civil rights laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called the Cultural Tourism Marketing Fund to help arts organizations, cultural groups, and historic sites promote their events and locations to tourists. Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism in consultation with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the program aims to increase cultural, geographic, and creative diversity by prioritizing applicants that represent historically marginalized or underrepresented cultures. Funding for the program will come from at least one percent of the annual receipts of the Tourism Fund, and grants will be distributed based on criteria such as geographic and cultural diversity, the applicant's existing marketing resources, and their ability to amplify diverse stories. Eligible recipients include nonprofit and for-profit entities dedicated to the arts, culture, and humanities, as well as cooperatives where at least 70 percent of the members are artists or creative workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called drug-induced homicide, which allows prosecutors to charge individuals with up to life in prison if they knowingly distribute Class A controlled substances that result in death. It includes a "Good Samaritan" provision that protects people from prosecution if they seek medical help for an overdose in good faith without intent to defraud. The legislation also establishes a permanent commission made up of various officials and community members to monitor the law's effectiveness, review convictions, and ensure sentencing remains flexible without mandatory minimums. This commission will meet regularly to report its findings and recommendations to state leaders and the judiciary.