Sen. John Keenan

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protections for survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and involuntary sexual relations by allowing them to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. It creates a legal definition for these victims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that their involvement in certain offenses was a result of being victimized, removing the strict requirement for official documentation to prove their status. The legislation also eliminates waiting periods for sealing records in cases where a judge determines that substantial justice is best served by the relief. Ultimately, the law aims to help these individuals regain access to opportunities by clearing their records when the offense is linked to their victimization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers in Massachusetts to test their drinking water outlets annually for lead levels exceeding one part per billion. It mandates that testing be conducted by certified laboratories using specific methods and establishes a six-month deadline for facilities that have not previously participated in the state's assistance program. The legislation also defines key terms such as "certified point-of-use filter" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clarity in compliance. Additionally, the act gives the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to adjust testing frequency on a case-by-case basis when necessary for public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, circuses, and similar mobile performances within Massachusetts. It directly affects owners and operators of traveling exhibits by banning the participation of these specific animals in events where they are transported between locations for entertainment purposes. The law includes an exemption for permanent institutions like zoos, provided the animals are not moved specifically for the traveling act. Violations of this new rule can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each animal involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by exempting providers from certain price limits and clarifying who qualifies as a caregiver. It removes restrictions that cap the fees providers can charge, allowing them to set their own rates under specific contracts, while also defining "caregivers" to include guardians and non-resident supervisors. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new definition for "high needs" to identify children and families requiring extra support due to factors like disabilities, trauma, or economic hardship. These changes are designed to increase access to quality care and better support the development of young children across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the governor to issue an annual proclamation designating September 11th as the September 11th Day of Remembrance. The legislation specifically honors the loss of life and service of first responders who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. By adding a new section to Chapter 6 of the general laws, it establishes a formal state observance for this date each year. The act directs the governor to recommend that the public observe the day in an appropriate manner.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public schools in Massachusetts provide free breakfast and lunch to every student attending the school. To help cover these costs, the legislation requires schools to maximize the use of federal funding programs and assigns the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the responsibility of paying for any remaining expenses not covered by federal reimbursements. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create regulations that help families access supplemental nutrition assistance programs by offering application support or referrals to relevant agencies. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Safe Drinking Water at School Act to mandate annual lead testing for all drinking water outlets in Massachusetts schools and child care centers. It requires facilities to use certified laboratories and specific testing methods to check for lead levels exceeding one part per billion, with a six-month deadline for those previously excluded from the state's assistance program. The legislation defines key terms such as "school" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clear compliance standards across public, charter, and non-public educational facilities. By updating Chapter 111 of the General Laws, the bill creates a uniform requirement for monitoring water safety to protect student health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new drought management task force within the state to coordinate efforts for maintaining adequate water supplies during dry periods. The task force will include representatives from various state agencies, professional organizations, and public health experts to assess conditions and recommend drought levels and responses. It also establishes a requirement for a statewide drought management plan that must be reviewed every five years and updated at least every ten years. Additionally, the bill empowers the secretary to enforce uniform water conservation measures, such as limiting nonessential outdoor water use, across all users in affected regions. Local cities and towns are required to fully enforce these conservation restrictions issued by the state secretary.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive initiative within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address pancreatic cancer through prevention, screening, education, and support programs. It creates a new advisory council composed of thirteen members from various medical and advocacy fields, including representatives from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the American Cancer Society, to guide these efforts. The council will recommend a system to certify hospitals that meet specific national care standards and work to ensure underserved areas have access to qualified facilities. Additionally, the council will investigate ways to share best practices among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect patients from nonconsensual intimate examinations, specifically pelvic, prostate, or rectal exams, while they are anesthetized, deeply sedated, or unconscious. It requires health care providers to obtain specific written consent from a patient for such exams unless the procedure is already part of the planned medical treatment for which the patient gave general consent or is an emergency situation. The law defines "health care providers" broadly to include physicians, nurses, students, and other clinical trainees who might perform these procedures. By establishing these clear requirements, the legislation aims to prevent unauthorized intimate physical contact during vulnerable medical states.