Sen. Jo Comerford

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 155) of Joan B. Lovely, Sean Garballey, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1483) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers selling menstrual products (like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear) in Massachusetts to disclose all ingredients on product packaging and online. Labels must list ingredients in order of predominance using visible 10-point font, and manufacturers must update both packaging and online disclosures when ingredients change. The law applies to all manufacturers whose products are sold in the state, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine per offense. It takes effect 12 months after passage and supplements existing labeling requirements.

By Representative Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 235) of Michael J. Finn and Joanne M. Comerford relative to establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryH 4599 requires Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families to create and distribute a clear, plain-language document listing specific rights for children in foster care. This bill directly affects children under 18 in state custody, their parents, foster parents, and the department itself. Key provisions include ensuring children's safety (protection from discrimination, abuse, and unsafe placements), preserving cultural/gender identity (including preferred names/pronouns), and prioritizing placement with family members or siblings when possible. The department must provide the rights document in the child's language, post it in care facilities and online, and explain it developmentally appropriate to each child upon entering care.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1605) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish statewide food truck regulations. Public Health.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1618) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Erika Uyterhoeven, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote community immunity. Public Health.

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 100) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative the inequity of digital access through the recruitment and implementation of digital navigators. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Maddy summaryH 4596 establishes a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study how to create a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators - trusted community guides who help residents access affordable internet, devices, and digital skills. The commission, made up of state agency representatives and community organizations, will examine funding models, qualifications for navigators, and how digital navigation services impact health and equity. It will also analyze existing regional initiatives and collect data to inform recommendations. The commission must submit a report with its findings and proposed legislation within six months, but the bill itself does not create the credentialing program or mandate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Law Revision Commission to identify and recommend updates to Massachusetts' outdated legal language. The commission, composed of legal experts, judges, and public officials, will review statutes, common law, and judicial decisions to eliminate archaic terms (like "common night walker" and references to "sodomy") and modernize laws. It specifically amends multiple statutes across chapters 272 and 277 by removing obsolete references (e.g., repealing Section 34 of Chapter 272 and updating Section 35 to use plain language about public exposure). The changes directly affect Massachusetts' legal code, making it more accessible and relevant to current standards. The commission must submit annual reports with specific legislative proposals to the state legislature.