By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
May 6, 2024 -- The committee on Public Service, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1738) of Walter F. Timilty, Bruce J. Ayers, Michael D. Brady and William J. Driscoll, Jr. (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the disability retirement of Casey L'Italien, a police officer in the city known as the town of Randolph, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2763).
Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill to ensure legal parentage equality (House, No. 4750), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4970).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal licensing system for veterinary technicians in Massachusetts, requiring them to graduate from accredited programs, pass a state-approved exam, and hold a license issued by a new regulatory board. The legislation creates a board of registration composed of veterinarians, licensed technicians, and public representatives to oversee the profession and set rules regarding duties, continuing education, and license revocation. It also clarifies the distinction between licensed veterinary technicians and unlicensed veterinary assistants to define the scope of work allowed for each role. Finally, the bill mandates that all current veterinary technicians must obtain a license by July 1, 2030, while providing for temporary licenses during the transition period.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes banning the sale of cell phone location information to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ individuals, religious liberty, and freedom of movement. It directly affects telecommunications companies and data brokers by restricting their ability to sell precise location data to third parties. The legislation aims to prevent the misuse of location tracking that could expose individuals to discrimination or surveillance in sensitive situations.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to ensure that all children have equal legal rights and protections regarding parentage, regardless of their parents' marital status, gender, or the method of conception. It achieves this by replacing gender-specific terms like "paternity" and "mother" with the gender-neutral term "parentage" and removing distinctions based on whether parents are married. The legislation also expands legal definitions to explicitly include children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy, ensuring that intended parents and surrogates are clearly recognized under the law. By amending existing statutes, the bill aims to create a consistent legal framework that treats all parent-child relationships equally without regard to how the child was born.
By Representative Driscoll of Milton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., and Walter F. Timilty (with the approval of the town council) relative to the preparation of bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for state elections in the city known as the town of Randolph. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
Senate, June 27, 2024 - New draft (Senator Timilty) to Senate Bill authorizing the town of Milton to use certain property for school purposes (Senate, No. 2549).
