Sen. Cynthia Creem

Maddy summarySD 155 amends a Massachusetts adoption law by replacing "state or the country where it was executed" with "commonwealth or the laws of the place where it was executed." This change clarifies that Massachusetts law must consider both its own regulations (referred to as the "commonwealth") and the applicable laws of the location where an adoption was completed, including international or out-of-state adoptions. It directly affects adoption agencies, courts, and families navigating cross-jurisdictional adoptions. The amendment is a technical correction to legal language for improved clarity, without altering adoption requirements or processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a clear process for appointing surrogates to make medical decisions when an adult becomes unable to do so themselves (e.g., due to illness or injury) and lacks a valid advance directive like a Health Care Proxy. It defines "surrogate" as a family member or close friend familiar with the person’s values, who must act based on what the person would have wanted, or if unknown, in their best interests. Health care providers must first check for existing directives, then follow a priority order (spouse, adult children, parents, close friends) to identify a surrogate, and require a written declaration from them. The bill aims to avoid court involvement in these decisions while ensuring surrogates consider the patient’s beliefs and well-being.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1061) of Brendan P. Crighton, Cynthia Stone Creem, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote public safety and better outcomes for young adults. The Judiciary.

The committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 45) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2516).

Senate, September 18, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill establishing the Massachusetts data privacy act (Senate, No. 2516),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2608).

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 316) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to promote social-emotional learning. Education.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 315) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to remodel public school athletics through social-emotional learning. Education.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 555) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish a grant and loan program for low-noise, low-emissions landscape maintenance equipment. Environment and Natural Resources.

Senate, July 31, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to a statewide plan for the management of solar panels and batteries; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2569).