Sen. John Keenan

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1329) of Paul R. Feeney, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to regulate utility permits for road excavation based on an agreement of wages and benefits to the laborers. Labor and Workforce Development.

The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2571).

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1367) strengthens penalties for sexual assaults by adults in positions of trust involving children. It specifically targets individuals like teachers, coaches, child care providers, foster parents, or family members with custody who commit indecent assault or abuse against children under 18. For children under 14, offenders face life imprisonment or a minimum 10-year sentence with no parole or early release; for children aged 14-17, penalties include up to 10 years in prison. The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and bars defenses claiming the trusted role ended. Prosecutions under this law cannot be dismissed without a finding.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new compensation program for individuals wrongfully convicted of felonies in Massachusetts, directly affecting those who served at least one year in prison for a conviction later overturned or pardoned with a statement of reasonable innocence. It establishes a dedicated division within the Attorney General's office to process claims, requiring applicants to submit a sworn statement of innocence, proof of incarceration, and court documents showing conviction reversal or pardon. The division must review claims within 30 days, issue immediate payments if eligibility is clear, or schedule a hearing within 60 days if additional documentation is needed. Eligibility requires the conviction to be for a felony (not resolved by a guilty plea), the individual to have served prison time, and either a governor's pardon with innocence language or a court-ordered reversal with no subsequent felony charges.

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.

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.

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. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1169) of Joan B. Lovely, William N. Brownsberger, Jacob R. Oliveira and Susannah M. Whipps for legislation to ensure that survivors of childhood sexual abuse shall not be subject to a limitation on damages. 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 Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1058) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to expunge juvenile and young adult records. The Judiciary.