Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory educational diversion program for Massachusetts teens accused of sharing explicit images, commonly known as sexting. Instead of facing immediate court charges, eligible youth will be referred to a curriculum developed by the Child Advocate that explains legal penalties, potential social consequences, and the risks of online sharing. The program aims to divert these cases from the formal justice system by requiring participants to complete the educational course before any arraignment occurs, unless a judge determines that proceeding is necessary to prevent serious harm. Additionally, the bill encourages schools to teach media literacy skills and allows law enforcement officials to refer alleged offenders directly to this educational intervention.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of domestic violence in Massachusetts to include specific behaviors like coercive control and technological abuse. It clarifies that coercive control involves patterns of intimidation, isolation, or financial monitoring, while technological abuse covers actions such as cyberstalking, nonconsensual sharing of images, and electronic surveillance. The legislation also explicitly lists examples such as threatening deportation based on immigration status or forcing someone into criminal activity as forms of abuse. By updating these definitions, the law aims to provide clearer grounds for victims to seek protection orders against a wider range of harmful behaviors.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a mandatory educational diversion program for teenagers accused of sharing indecent images, commonly known as sexting. Instead of immediately facing criminal charges, eligible students would be required to complete a course that explains the legal penalties, social consequences, and long-term risks associated with posting such images online. The program is designed to be administered by the Attorney General in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and would be integrated into existing juvenile justice processes. If a student fails to finish the required education, the court can then proceed with standard legal proceedings against them. Additionally, the bill encourages schools to teach media literacy skills to help students better understand and navigate digital content.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Dedham, Massachusetts, as the Honorable Kelly A. Timilty Memorial Bridge to honor her legacy as a public servant. The legislation requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to officially name the bridge and install a permanent marker displaying this new title. By changing the official name of Bridge D-05-005 on Ames Street, the bill ensures that the structure serves as a lasting tribute to Timilty's career on the Governor's Council.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires private and nonprofit employers in Massachusetts with at least 100 full-time employees to submit detailed wage and demographic data to the state. Covered entities, which also include the governor and mayors with large workforces, must provide this information annually by the EEO-1 or EEO-4 reporting deadlines. The state will then compile and publish these aggregate wage reports on its website starting in 2024, broken down by specific industries such as healthcare, construction, and retail. The legislation aims to increase pay transparency by making industry-wide wage data publicly available for comparison.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission on agricultural equity to study how to support socially disadvantaged groups in Massachusetts farming. The commission will include members appointed by various organizations representing different communities, such as the Black and Latino legislative caucus, Asian legislative caucus, and farming associations. Its main task is to investigate current issues and create a report with recommendations for better data collection, policy changes, and investment strategies to promote fairness in the state's agricultural sector.
Maddy summaryThis bill, introduced by Representative James K. Hawkins, aims to update regulations regarding the use of pesticides in Massachusetts. It directly affects agricultural operations, pest control companies, and individuals who apply chemical treatments to manage insects or weeds. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards for pesticide application, storage, and disposal to ensure public safety and environmental protection. By modernizing existing rules, the bill intends to provide a more robust framework for managing chemical substances across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts pesticide regulations to require schools, child care centers, and universities to prioritize using safer pest control products. It mandates that these facilities use pesticides classified as exempt by the EPA or those containing only ingredients approved for organic farming, unless a hardship waiver is granted. The legislation also modernizes reporting requirements by specifying that certain records must be submitted electronically through a state portal.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study ways to promote equity in Massachusetts agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The commission will be composed of representatives from various agricultural organizations, community caucuses, and state agencies to ensure diverse perspectives are included in the process. Its primary task is to investigate barriers to resources and develop recommendations for improving data collection, grant transparency, land access, and technical assistance programs. The commission is required to hold public hearings in both rural and urban areas and submit a final report with an implementation plan within 18 months.
Senate, May 24, 2023 -- Text of amendment (715) (offered by Senator Feeney) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2024 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.