Sen. Becca Rausch

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to restrict the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to anyone under the age of eighteen. It requires physical retail stores to keep these products behind counters or in locked cases and to ask for valid identification from customers who appear to be minors. Additionally, online sellers must verify that the recipient is at least 18 years old by requiring a signature and a government-issued photo ID upon delivery, while also collecting and verifying the buyer's name, birth date, and address. These measures aim to prevent children from accessing weight loss or muscle-building products without parental supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Governor of Massachusetts to issue an annual proclamation designating February 4th as Rosa Parks Day. The measure requires the state to recognize this date as a tribute to the historic civil rights leader and encourages the public to observe the day appropriately. By amending state law, the legislation establishes a formal, yearly acknowledgment of Parks' legacy without mandating specific activities or changes to existing holidays.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to change how birth records are kept and accessed. It requires the state to record specific details about a child, including the parents' names, birthplaces, and dates of birth, as well as the birth surname of the mother. The change directly affects the Department of Public Health and families by ensuring these specific data points are officially documented in birth records.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands employment protections in Massachusetts for individuals experiencing or who have experienced abusive behavior, including domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and kidnapping. It achieves this by adding new legal definitions to state labor laws that explicitly include psychological, emotional, and mental abuse alongside physical harm and threats. The legislation specifies that abusive behavior covers actions such as isolating a victim, controlling their finances, monitoring their communications, or restricting their freedom. By clarifying these terms, the bill aims to ensure that workplace policies cover a broader range of harmful behaviors beyond just physical violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to help Massachusetts farmers deal with financial losses caused by PFAS contamination in their soil and crops. It also grants farmers immunity from lawsuits if they are sued for damages resulting from standard farming practices that lead to PFAS presence in the environment. The legislation defines PFAS as specific fluorinated organic compounds and allows the fund to be financed through state appropriations, donations, and federal grants. Money from the fund can be used for testing, adapting farm management practices, providing health support, and developing educational resources for affected agricultural operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers working on large private construction projects in Massachusetts to publicly display specific compliance information at their job sites. It applies to residential developments with more than 10 units or commercial projects larger than 5,000 square feet that cost over $750,000. Under the new rules, employers must post a certificate showing they are registered and current on contributions, a notice with worker's compensation details, and a detailed log tracking who enters and leaves the site. Contractors and subcontractors must also provide these records to the Attorney General upon request for inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal shield for farmers in Massachusetts who are affected by PFAS contamination in their soil, water, or crops. It grants immunity from lawsuits and civil liability to individuals or entities engaged in farming for any damages resulting from these chemical contaminants. The primary mechanism is the amendment of state law to prevent farmers from being sued by third parties when PFAS exposure occurs on their land.

Senate, January 25, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 180) of Adam Gomez, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 359) of Adrian C. Madaro, Carlos González and Kevin G. Honan for legislation to further regulate real estate brokers and salespersons, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2566).

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 42) of Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Hannah Kane, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen local food systems, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2570).