Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal system to train, assess, and assign qualified interpreters for students and families with limited English proficiency in Massachusetts schools. It defines specific roles for interpreters based on their expertise, requiring highly trained Tier 3 interpreters for critical legal and educational meetings like Individualized Education Programs, while allowing less specialized interpreters for routine gatherings. The legislation also mandates that the state department of education create a training program and a public registry to help schools locate these qualified professionals for scheduled appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to create a comprehensive plan for regulating facial recognition technology across the state. It defines key terms like "facial recognition" and "biometric surveillance technology" to ensure clarity in future rules. The legislation requires the Attorney General to submit a report outlining how the state will manage the use of these technologies by public and private entities. Ultimately, the bill aims to establish a formal framework for oversight rather than immediately banning or mandating specific uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts state agencies to send job openings to the state's human resources division. The division must then immediately enter these postings into a centralized computer system used for job referrals. This rule applies to most state positions but excludes specific roles already covered by other laws. The legislation ensures that no state job can be filled unless it has been properly listed in this statewide system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires any organization or entity in Massachusetts that receives public funds to follow federal laws when returning Native American human remains, sacred objects, or cultural items to their tribes. Specifically, it mandates that groups holding these items must adhere to the penalties and requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act if they plan to remove them from their collections. The law applies to a wide range of recipients, including government agencies, nonprofits, and trusts that use state or local money. By enforcing these existing federal standards, the bill aims to ensure that Native American heritage items are repatriated in accordance with established legal definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide ban on law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts using facial recognition or other remote biometric surveillance technology, with the exception of the Department of Motor Vehicles for verifying driver identities. It directly affects police departments and other public safety organizations by prohibiting them from acquiring, possessing, or contracting for such software unless explicitly authorized by a separate law. The legislation also ensures that any evidence obtained through the unauthorized use of these tools cannot be used in court proceedings. By defining specific terms like "biometric surveillance technology" and "public agency," the law creates clear boundaries for what is permitted while restricting the ability of government entities to use automated systems that identify individuals based on their physical features.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in the Massachusetts General Laws to regulate pregnancy services centers and protect patient privacy. It defines key terms such as "limited services pregnancy center," which refers to facilities that do not provide or refer for abortions or emergency contraception, and sets strict rules for how these centers can collect and use personal information. The legislation requires that any consent for processing personal data must be a clear, affirmative act and cannot be obtained through misleading statements or deceptive user interfaces. Additionally, the bill prohibits unfair or deceptive advertising practices related to pregnancy-related services, aiming to ensure transparency for individuals seeking care.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers in Massachusetts from recording or broadcasting video of themselves on mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law allows for exceptions when a device is mounted and used to monitor traffic or passengers, during emergencies, or when recording serves a clear public interest. Additionally, the legislation ensures that existing rights to record under state or federal law remain intact and does not restrict the use of dashcams for safety monitoring.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Massachusetts Foreclosure Prevention Program designed to help homeowners facing the risk of losing their homes. The program establishes supervised conferences where borrowers and creditors meet with trained monitors to negotiate sustainable alternatives to foreclosure, such as loan modifications or repayment plans. Eligible participants include homeowners who have received a notice of right to cure, those at imminent risk of default, individuals referred by judges, and borrowers in active bankruptcy cases with permission from the court. The law defines specific rules for who can attend these conferences, ensuring that the creditor's representative at the meeting is not the borrower's attorney.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for the state health commissioner to officially designate specific contagious or infectious diseases as having heightened public health importance. Once a disease is designated, the law requires various health insurance plans, including those for government employees and private commercial policies, to cover related prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services without charging patients copayments, deductibles, or requiring prior authorization. The commissioner must notify relevant insurance regulators and healthcare providers immediately after making a designation and must review the list of designated diseases at least once a year to renew or remove them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to streamline access to gender-affirming health care for transgender and non-binary individuals. It prohibits insurance companies, healthcare divisions, and other regulated entities from rejecting a single letter from a qualified mental health professional that confirms the medical necessity of such care. The legislation defines a qualified professional as one who meets specific training standards set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. By limiting the documentation required to one letter, the bill aims to reduce administrative barriers and ensure that individuals can receive necessary treatments without facing unnecessary delays or denials.