Maddy summarySD 1456 adds "status as a victim of abusive behavior" to Massachusetts' anti-discrimination protections under Chapter 151B. It directly affects employees and job applicants experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping (as defined in the bill). The law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations - like schedule changes, safety modifications, or transfer requests - to support victims, prohibits discrimination for requesting these accommodations, and mandates written notice of these rights to all employees. Employers must engage in a good-faith process to determine accommodations but are not required to provide them if it causes "undue hardship," defined by specific financial and operational factors.
Sen. Cynthia Creem
Sponsored bills
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1429) of Cynthia Stone Creem and Steven Owens for legislation to regulate the powers of tree wardens in municipalities in the Commonwealth. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill SD 247 replaces the state's existing child custody law with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). It establishes clear rules for determining which state court has authority over custody cases, primarily based on where a child lived for the past six months ("home state"). The bill directly affects parents, courts, and children involved in custody disputes across state lines, requiring courts to recognize and enforce custody orders made in other states that meet UCCJEA standards. Key provisions include defining terms like "home state," setting procedures for enforcing custody orders, and addressing cases involving tribal nations or international jurisdictions. The law aims to prevent conflicting custody rulings when families move between states.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act. The Judiciary.
Senate, June 26, 2025 -- (Filed by Ms. Creem) Order relative to the membership and matters currently before the joint committee on Agriculture and the joint committee on Elder Affairs.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 108) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation protecting youth during custodial interrogations. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 554) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish the Sustainable Food Service Ware Act. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to update definitions for modern electronic transactions. It adds phrases like "based on the totality of the circumstances" to clarify terms, redefines "Delivery" for electronic documents, and creates new definitions for "Electronic," "Money," and "Hybrid transaction" (e.g., sales combined with services). These changes directly affect businesses, banks, and legal entities operating under MA's UCC, particularly those using digital contracts or hybrid business models. The amendments aim to align the law with current technology and transaction practices without altering core commercial rules.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1489) of Cynthia Stone Creem and Nick Collins for legislation to require automated external defibrillators at sporting events. Public Health.
Senate, May 20, 2025 -- Text of amendment (541) (offered by Senator Friedman) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.