Maddy summarySD 246 promotes diversion of juveniles from formal court processing to community supervision and services by removing barriers that previously disqualified young people from diversion programs. The bill ensures that a referral to juvenile court for a child needing assistance does not disqualify them from diversion and clarifies that diverted cases do not count as criminal complaints for certain legal purposes. It also prevents law enforcement from sending fingerprints and arrest records of juveniles (for offenses committed before age 18) to federal agencies like the FBI, except when records are being sealed. These changes aim to reduce long-term negative impacts of juvenile justice involvement by expanding access to community-based alternatives.
Sen. John Keenan
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHD 2829 requires all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover all medical supplies for ostomy care at a minimum Medicare reimbursement rate, eliminating barriers like non-medical supply requirements. It mandates hospitals performing ostomy surgery to employ certified ostomy care specialists and provide follow-up outpatient care, while ensuring prescriptions for these supplies remain valid for at least one year without interruption. The bill also requires insurers to transfer patient ostomy care information to new insurers within 72 hours and provide one month's notice with samples before changing product substitutions. This directly benefits ostomy patients by improving access to consistent, uninterrupted care, while setting new standards for insurers, hospitals, and suppliers.
Senate, January 22, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2858).
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1710) of John F. Keenan for legislation relative to the requirement of explosive gas sensor devices in buildings owned or operated by the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1721) of Liz Miranda for legislation to ensure educational rights are upheld for incarcerated emerging adults. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1668) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., Steven George Xiarhos, Sal N. DiDomenico, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the Massachusetts emergency management agency. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryH 4832 clarifies contract rules around digital replicas (computer-generated voice or likeness representations) for performers and creators. It makes contract clauses allowing digital replicas to replace in-person work unenforceable after January 1, 2026, if the agreement lacks clear usage details or the individual didn't have proper legal or union representation during negotiation. The bill specifically excludes standard copyright uses like sampling, remixing, or authorized remastering. It directly affects performers signing new contracts involving digital replicas for professional services starting in 2026.
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees (Senate, No. 507),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2898).
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 173) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard and John F. Keenan for legislation to promote downtown vitality. Community Development and Small Businesses.