Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, removing the need for individuals to file petitions. For adults, misdemeanor records become eligible for automatic sealing 3 years after conviction (or 7 years for felonies), excluding sex offenses (which still require a request) and specific drug offenses. Correctional facilities must report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who must seal eligible records within 30 days. Juveniles' records are automatically sealed after a 3-year waiting period without requiring petitions, and agencies must provide notice about sealing at the time of conviction or adjudication.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends court procedures for name changes to enhance personal safety protections. It requires courts to request probation reports before approving name changes and mandates submission of birth records or prior name-change documentation. Crucially, courts can now keep name-change records confidential and segregated if they determine public access would jeopardize safety - specifically citing risks related to gender non-conformity, transgender status, or domestic violence survival. The law ensures courts cannot deny confidentiality requests solely due to lack of documented threats, focusing on the "totality of circumstances" rather than specific incidents. This directly affects individuals seeking name changes who face safety concerns, making court records more secure without altering substantive name-change eligibility.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 130) of Cindy F. Friedman, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a livable wage for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Comprehensive Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act, requires all Massachusetts public and private schools (including charter, virtual, and special education schools), school districts, and youth-serving organizations to implement annual training for staff and volunteers on recognizing, preventing, and reporting child sexual abuse. The training must cover identifying risky adult behaviors, supporting child safety, responding to disclosures, and building protective policies, with schools maintaining records of participation. Additionally, schools must provide age-appropriate education to students on healthy boundaries, recognizing boundary violations, and accessing support resources. These requirements apply to all staff, contractors, and volunteers working with children, including teachers, coaches, bus drivers, and mental health professionals.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1136) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford and Adam Gomez relative to preventing false confessions. The Judiciary.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 475) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Sal N. DiDomenico, Thomas M. Stanley, Patrick M. O'Connor and others for legislation to promote housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth. Elder Affairs.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 400) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Bruce E. Tarr, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to ensure adequate and equitable funding for public education. Education.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1118) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch and Julian Cyr for legislation to make it unlawful for a professional investor doing business in the commonwealth to make sexual harassment advances. The Judiciary.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1147) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Jason M. Lewis, Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to provide civil legal remedies for victims of economic abuse. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 102) of Michael J. Barrett, James K. Hawkins, Joanne M. Comerford, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to require changing stations in public buildings. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.