Sen. Becca Rausch

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 175) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Lydia Edwards and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 318) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to direct the Department of Environmental Protection to publish a toxic chemicals of concern consumer products list, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2564).

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to create and publish a list of toxic chemicals of concern found in consumer products intended for children. The legislation defines "children" as individuals aged 12 and under and includes a wide range of items such as toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and artificial turf fields. To determine which chemicals are harmful, the law requires the department to consult with recognized authoritative bodies like the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Once the list is compiled, it will be made available to the public to inform parents and consumers about potential health risks in products used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to strengthen protections against housing discrimination in Massachusetts by updating the rules for the state's real estate licensing board. It requires the board to publish quarterly reports detailing complaints filed against brokers, the results of investigations, and the names of license holders who face disciplinary action for discrimination. Additionally, the legislation extends the time limit for filing certain housing discrimination complaints from ninety to one hundred and eighty days and mandates that real estate licenses be immediately suspended if a court finds a broker or salesperson violated fair housing laws. These changes directly affect real estate professionals, tenants, and the public by increasing transparency and accountability within the housing market.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require manufacturers and sellers to disclose specific toxic chemicals found in products intended for children aged 12 and under. It defines "children's products" broadly to include items like toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and school supplies, while explicitly excluding electronics, bicycles, and certain other items. The legislation mandates that companies provide a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or other toxicity, using a list of authoritative scientific bodies to determine which substances are harmful. By establishing clear definitions and disclosure requirements, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding chemical safety in consumer goods used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens local food systems in Massachusetts by requiring emergency plans to support agriculture and food production during supply chain disruptions. It creates a new full-time food system coordinator to manage state programs, track progress, and ensure underserved communities receive support. The legislation also establishes a non-enforcement circuit rider program to help farmers navigate regulations and access funding, while updating property tax rules to include the value of agricultural infrastructure. Finally, the bill authorizes the state to acquire land and easements to protect agricultural and horticultural areas for future use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen oversight of real estate brokers and enhance enforcement of fair housing rules. It requires the state board of real estate registration to publish quarterly reports detailing complaints and disciplinary actions taken against license holders for discrimination. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board immediately suspend a broker's license for sixty days if a court finds they committed a fair housing violation, extending the suspension to one hundred and eighty days if the violation occurred within two years of a prior finding. These changes aim to increase transparency and impose stricter penalties on professionals who discriminate in housing transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require employers with 20 or more employees to provide 24 hours of paid leave annually to workers who experience a pregnancy loss. The leave must be paid at the employee's regular rate of pay and include the same employment benefits they would normally receive, such as health insurance. Employers are not required to offer additional leave if they already have a policy that provides equal or greater time off for the same reasons under the same conditions. The legislation also defines key terms like "covered employer," "employee," and "domestic partner" to clarify who is eligible for these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from including contract clauses that require employees to waive their legal rights regarding discrimination, wage theft, harassment, or violations of public policy. It declares such waivers invalid and void, ensuring that employees cannot be forced to give up these protections as a condition of employment. The legislation also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who refuse to sign these agreements and allows aggrieved individuals to sue for damages and legal fees. Additionally, the bill ensures that courts, rather than arbitrators, decide whether a waiver is invalid, preventing companies from using arbitration clauses to block these challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Division of Occupational Licensure to create a single online portal that allows individuals and businesses to handle state registration, licensing, and compliance tasks in one place. The legislation requires the division to submit a detailed plan by December 31, 2023, outlining the costs, design, and necessary legal changes for this system. Key features of the proposed portal include online license renewals, tax payments, document filing, and notifications about public contracting opportunities. The bill also mandates that the portal be tested for business registration and tax applications by the end of 2023.