Sen. Robyn Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It directly affects disabled adults aged 18-62 with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (as set by HUD). The program offers mobile or project-based vouchers covering rent, with households paying 25-30% of their income (depending on utilities), while payments cannot exceed 120% of HUD's fair market rent for the unit size. Unspent funds from the designated budget line (7004-9030) carry over annually to support the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1718) requires mandatory psychiatric evaluations in hospital emergency rooms when a physician, psychologist, advanced practice nurse, or social worker authorizes a restraint for a patient. It directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises who are placed under restraint in emergency settings. The key provision mandates that the emergency room, not other facilities, must determine whether to seek a 3-day hospitalization at a public or department-approved private facility. This change aims to standardize emergency mental health assessments and hospitalization decisions.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 319) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to access after school and out-of-school time programs. Education.

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1522) of Lydia Edwards, Adam Gomez, Susannah M. Whipps, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote patient safety and equitable access to care. Public Health.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1715) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to prohibit turning on red signals. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund administered by multiple state agencies to support energy-efficient building upgrades. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses across Massachusetts. The fund covers renovations that make buildings highly energy efficient, use all-electric systems, include on-site renewable energy, and use low-carbon materials, while also funding necessary remediation like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Priority is given to environmental justice communities and "gateway cities," with funds carried forward annually instead of reverting to the general budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1726) amends state law to expand the Massachusetts tolling authority by explicitly authorizing the collection of tolls on specific interstate and state highways at the Massachusetts border. It adds 12 designated routes - including I-90, I-95, Route 3, Route 7, and others - where tolls may be charged for transit across state lines. The bill directly affects drivers using these border crossings, as it formalizes the state's existing ability to collect tolls on those routes. It does not change toll rates or create new fees, but rather clarifies the legal authority for current toll collection practices.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1714) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to creating a voluntary firearms do-not-sell firearms list. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 386) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to address racial and cultural bias training in educator professional development. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the PLACE (Program for Local Art and Community Engagement) program to fund public art in Massachusetts state buildings and infrastructure. It creates a commission (with appointed members from arts, community, and state agencies) to manage a dedicated fund receiving 0.5% of public construction funds (capped at $300,000 per project, adjusted for inflation). The fund supports public art projects - including design, installation, and maintenance - in state-owned buildings, requiring projects to be owned by the Commonwealth, prioritize Massachusetts artists, and distribute projects across geographic regions. The commission must report annually on fund usage to state legislative committees.