Sen. Adam Gómez

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 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 the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections for individuals facing retaliation for opposing discrimination. It removes the requirement for victims to prove that threats or intimidation were used when filing lawsuits against government officials acting under color of law. Additionally, the legislation limits qualified immunity for law enforcement officers by allowing them to be sued for monetary damages unless they can prove their actions were clearly lawful. These changes aim to make it easier for people to seek legal remedies against retaliation without needing to demonstrate specific coercive tactics or facing broad immunity shields.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study how to increase racial diversity among judges in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 15 members, including representatives from various legislative caucuses, legal organizations, and community groups, with a requirement that gubernatorial appointees reflect the state's population demographics. Its primary task is to evaluate the current state of diversity within the judiciary and propose recommendations for legislative action, such as changes to admission standards. The commission must submit its final findings and suggestions to state officials by December 31, 2024.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2521) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam Gomez, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Lydia Edwards for legislation to establish the Environmental Justice Trust Fund. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers in Massachusetts to test their drinking water outlets annually for lead levels exceeding one part per billion. It mandates that testing be conducted by certified laboratories using specific methods and establishes a six-month deadline for facilities that have not previously participated in the state's assistance program. The legislation also defines key terms such as "certified point-of-use filter" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clarity in compliance. Additionally, the act gives the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to adjust testing frequency on a case-by-case basis when necessary for public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund within the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to provide extra financial support to specific childcare agencies. The fund will be financed by depositing at least half of the annual licensing fees collected by the department into the account. To qualify for these payments, agencies must operate in designated gateway municipalities, have a licensed capacity of over 150 children, serve at least 95% of children from families living at or below the federal poverty level, and not already receive federal Head Start or Community Anti-Poverty Agency funding. Eligible agencies would receive bi-annual payments based on their licensed capacity, with any unspent money remaining in the fund for future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by exempting providers from certain price limits and clarifying who qualifies as a caregiver. It removes restrictions that cap the fees providers can charge, allowing them to set their own rates under specific contracts, while also defining "caregivers" to include guardians and non-resident supervisors. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new definition for "high needs" to identify children and families requiring extra support due to factors like disabilities, trauma, or economic hardship. These changes are designed to increase access to quality care and better support the development of young children across the state.