Sen. John Velis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends two sections of Massachusetts law to allow deputy sheriffs to enforce regulations regarding waterways, a role currently held by state police. The changes directly affect law enforcement agencies by expanding the authority of deputy sheriffs to participate in waterway protection efforts. By inserting the phrase "by deputy sheriffs" into existing statutes, the legislation formally integrates these local officers into the enforcement framework without altering other operational details.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes a career incentive pay program for Massachusetts State Police officers to encourage further education and attract diverse candidates. It directly affects current and future full-time members of the department by linking salary increases to the accumulation of college credits and degrees. Officers earn a ten percent raise for an associate degree, a twenty percent raise for a bachelor's degree, and a twenty-five percent raise for a master's or law degree, provided they graduate from accredited institutions. The legislation specifically excludes officers already receiving similar pay under existing programs and aims to ensure a diverse educational background within the force.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires police chiefs and sheriffs in Massachusetts to issue citation books to officers who handle traffic duties or direct traffic, while also allowing departments to use electronic citations if the officers are properly trained. The legislation mandates that these officials obtain receipts from officers when issuing citation books and maintain backup books at headquarters for recording violations by officers without books. Additionally, the executive office of public safety and security must create rules to set standards for electronic citation equipment and training. A related change expands the legal definition of "Police Chief" to include the Sheriff of a county, ensuring sheriffs are covered by these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow students to be excused from school for mental health symptoms in the same way they are for physical illnesses. It requires that documentation for mental health absences be treated identically to that for physical health, accepting notes from licensed mental health professionals. Additionally, the law mandates that students returning from such absences be offered a meeting with a school counselor, though attending this meeting remains optional. These changes directly affect school districts, educators, and families by formalizing support for mental health needs within the existing framework for health-related absences.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts law enforcement and correctional officers to complete new training on interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training, which must be established by municipal police training committees by January 1, 2024, focuses on de-escalating situations and providing positive responses without adding to existing mandatory training hours. It also mandates the creation of specific guidelines for how officers should handle interactions with these individuals who are victims, witnesses, or suspects in criminal matters. The legislation applies to a wide range of agencies, including city and town police, state police, university police, and correctional facility officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement to use specialized software to search state DNA databases for partial matches that indicate a biological relationship, such as a parent or sibling, to help solve cold cases. It also permits the use of partial DNA matches where a suspect is not the exact source of evidence but is related to the actual contributor. To prevent abuse, the law strictly prohibits creating unregulated secondary DNA databases and requires agencies to sign agreements limiting how these genetic records can be used and shared. The changes apply specifically to investigations of unsolved crimes and do not allow for the collection of DNA for medical or disease-related purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to exempt certain public vocational high schools from specific hoisting equipment regulations. The exemption applies only if the school meets existing safety requirements, ensures a licensed instructor is present at all times during operation, and designates that instructor as the person in charge. The change directly affects vocational technical education programs that use hoisting equipment as part of their curriculum. By clarifying these conditions, the legislation aims to streamline compliance for schools that already follow strict safety protocols under current rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within the Massachusetts Department of Education to help elementary and secondary schools develop STEM and robotics programs. The funding is intended to assist students in succeeding academically and preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Priority for grants will be given to schools that currently lack robotics clubs, specifically those located in rural and underserved counties such as Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes. To receive funding, schools must commit to running teams registered with recognized organizations like FIRST Robotics or VEX, and the state will provide technical assistance to help districts expand these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to clarify that the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Department of Public Safety are responsible for overseeing emergency medical services. It achieves this by updating definitions in two specific chapters of the General Laws to explicitly link EMS oversight to these agencies. The change ensures that legal references to these roles and organizations consistently point to the current public safety leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to require new single-family and two-family homes to be equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems. If a municipality chooses to adopt this rule, it would apply to any new residential building with a permit issued one year after the town accepts the law, but it does not mandate sprinklers for existing homes. The local fire department head would be responsible for enforcing these requirements, and property owners could appeal decisions regarding the installation to a local board of appeals. Additionally, the bill clarifies that seasonal shut-offs of these sprinkler systems, when approved by the state fire prevention board, will not be considered a violation of fire safety codes.