Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands the Massachusetts Child Advocate's authority to access records related to children in state care or receiving state services. It specifically allows the Child Advocate to obtain data on juvenile arrests and court proceedings (like arraignments and dispositions), access facility records and electronic systems (including juvenile court and criminal justice data), and review systemwide services such as child abuse responses and mental health support without cost. The bill requires state agencies, courts, and probation services to provide this access and permits the Child Advocate to inspect and copy relevant records to assess service effectiveness. These changes aim to improve the Child Advocate's ability to evaluate child welfare systems and report findings to the governor and legislature.
Sen. Adam Gómez
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySD 1104 updates bail procedures for youth aged 12-18 involved in the justice system. It requires officers to immediately notify a parent, guardian, or the Department of Children and Families for all youth 12-18 arrested without a warrant when courts are not in session. For youth aged 14-18, officers must also notify a bail magistrate, who must review the case before release. The bill clarifies that youth may be released on bail with a written promise from a responsible adult, but must be detained in approved facilities if they cannot post bail, are charged with non-bailable offenses, or if a court orders detention pending appearance. This directly affects youth in custody and law enforcement officers handling juvenile arrests.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1129) of Adam Gomez for legislation to eliminate standard conditions in probation. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1131) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to juvenile fees, fines, and restitution. The Judiciary.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1937) of Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez, James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to grant a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' prevailing wage laws to cover offsite fabrication work for public construction projects. It directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and workers involved in custom plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and sheet metal systems (like piping or ductwork) made offsite for public projects. Key provisions require contractors to report detailed payroll information weekly, including the fabrication location, worker names, occupations, hours, and wages paid. The law ensures these offsite workers receive the same wage rates and reporting standards as on-site construction labor under existing public works rules.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 246) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett and Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide increased access to hearing aids. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school districts, charter schools, and approved private schools to integrate opioid use disorder education into existing health curricula. It mandates teaching specific topics, including opioid types, overdose identification, naloxone use and access, reducing stigma around naloxone, and medical amnesty protections for laypeople who assist during overdoses. The education standards must be incorporated into current health classes without creating new standalone courses. The bill does not impose new funding requirements but allows the department to seek external funding for implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standardized rules for attaching broadband infrastructure to utility poles, primarily affecting broadband providers and utility pole owners. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process requiring pole owners to provide a list of qualified contractors to modify poles for new broadband attachments, reducing delays. The bill defines key terms like "common space" (shared pole area) and "assigned space" (designated attachment zones) to clarify pole usage and prevent disputes. These changes aim to streamline pole attachment procedures, making it faster and less costly for broadband providers to expand network infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes woody biomass (such as wood chips or forest residues) from the greenhouse gas emissions calculation standard for municipal lighting plants. It directly affects local government-owned power facilities that use woody biomass as fuel. The change is implemented by deleting sections 34 and 112 from Chapter 8 of the General Laws. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.