Sen. Robyn Kennedy

Senate, November 10, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 195) of Joanne M. Comerford, Cindy F. Friedman, Mark C. Montigny, Adam Gomez and other members of the Senate for legislation to eliminate harmful chemicals from children's products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2660).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new MassHealth program providing comprehensive health coverage to children and young adults under 21 in Massachusetts who are residents but cannot access regular Medicaid benefits solely due to their immigration status. It ensures these individuals receive the same health benefits as other low-income children of similar age and income under existing eligibility rules. The program requires the state health department to maximize federal funding for these benefits, but the coverage cannot be withheld if federal funds are unavailable. This directly affects immigrant youth who were previously excluded from state health programs because of their immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to help Massachusetts homeowners repair or replace residential foundations damaged by minerals like pyrite or pyrrhotite. The fund, managed by the Secretary of Housing, provides direct financial assistance to affected homeowners, reimburses those who already paid for repairs (up to the fund's coverage limit), and minimizes financial strain on municipalities. Key provisions include tax exemptions on repaired foundations, annual reporting requirements, and a requirement for the Secretary to seek federal funding to support the program. A stakeholder working group must also develop long-term recommendations by 2026 on funding models and consumer protections. The bill directly affects homeowners with deteriorated foundations and local governments facing related costs.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 148) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enhance child welfare protections. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryHD 2554 establishes the Caregiver to Adults with Disabilities Fund within the Board of Higher Education. The fund will cover tuition and fees for community college courses at eligible schools for individuals who care for adults with disabilities. It is initially funded with $4,125,000 transferred from the General Fund, and can also accept future state appropriations, interest, and private donations. The Board must report annually on fund activity to relevant legislative committees.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 144) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to protect the interests of minor children featured on for-profit family vlogs. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for conducting recall elections in the town of Berlin, allowing residents to remove elected town officials before their term ends. It directly affects Berlin residents who can initiate recalls and town officials (such as council members or the mayor) who may face removal. The bill creates a formal framework for recalls, including requirements for petition signatures and election procedures, as specified under local election laws. (Note: The abstract confirms local approval from Berlin's town meeting was received.)

Maddy summarySD 41 requires condominium associations to provide unit owners with access to financial and operational records (such as budgets, reports, and legal documents) within 5 to 10 business days, with electronic delivery preferred and free of charge. Failure to comply results in a $100 daily fine, payable by the managing agent or common funds. The bill also mandates a minimum 10% annual contribution to a replacement reserve fund and requires preventive maintenance plans for all associations, with larger associations (50+ units) needing periodic reserve studies. Additionally, it establishes an Office of the Condominium Ombudsman within the Attorney General’s office to handle complaints and provide mediation, while requiring internal dispute resolution procedures for unit owner grievances.

Maddy summarySD 803, the Massachusetts Survivors Act, allows adults and children charged with crimes to request alternative resolutions if their alleged offenses were linked to past abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, or human trafficking. Defendants can file motions supported by evidence like court records, medical documentation, or expert testimony about trauma, requiring only a "prima facie showing" (sufficient evidence to suggest eligibility) rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If eligible, courts may grant pretrial diversion (suspending charges for 3-24 months with conditions like counseling or community service), reduced sentences, or postconviction relief. The law mandates annual reporting by the Attorney General on motion statistics, including demographics, and prohibits using evidence presented under this act against defendants in future prosecutions.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 147) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to replace stolen benefits relative to electronic benefit transfer fraud. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.