Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate debt collection practices and protect consumers from aggressive collection tactics. It defines key terms such as "consumer," "creditor," and "debt buyer" to clarify who is covered under the new rules. The legislation specifically mandates that a consumer's weekly earnings must be exempt from garnishment if they are less than 65 times the state or federal minimum hourly wage. This provision ensures that low-income individuals cannot have their essential income seized to satisfy a judgment for consumer debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the Massachusetts Constitution by replacing every instance of the word "he" with the gender-neutral term "the person." The change directly affects the state's foundational legal document to ensure it refers to all residents without regard to gender. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the amendment would update the 1780 text to use inclusive language throughout. This procedural change aims to modernize the constitution's wording while maintaining its original intent of applying to all citizens.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to officially change the title of the Governor to "The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." The proposed change would also update the formal address for the office to "Her Excellency, His Excellency, or Their Excellency," depending on the gender of the officeholder. To pass, the measure requires approval by a majority of legislators in a joint session and subsequent ratification by voters in a statewide election. The legislation directly affects the state's highest executive office and the formal language used to address the Governor in official capacities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change the official title of the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor to "Her Honor," "His Honor," or "Their Honor." The measure would also update the text to remove outdated language regarding property and religious qualifications for the office. If passed, the amendment would require a majority vote of the General Court and subsequent approval by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission in Massachusetts that would draw state legislative and congressional district lines. The commission would be composed of members appointed by state officials and political leaders, with specific rules ensuring that district lines are not drawn to favor any political party or dilute the voting strength of racial or ethnic groups. Key provisions require districts to be contiguous and roughly equal in population while prioritizing the preservation of neighborhoods and municipal boundaries over partisan interests. The bill also sets the federal census as the basis for redistricting every ten years and adjusts the residency requirements for state representatives and senators.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to replace gendered language with gender-neutral terms when referring to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Specifically, it would change pronouns like "his" and "he" to "his or her" and "he or she" throughout the sections of the state constitution that define the powers and duties of these executive offices. The change aims to ensure the legal documents accurately reflect that both men and women can hold these positions without relying on outdated phrasing. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the amendment would update the constitutional text to be inclusive of all potential officeholders.

Senate, September 6, 2022 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Rausch) for the Senate Bill relative to a town center wastewater service area for the town of Norfolk (Senate, No. 2945).

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1515) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Sonia Chang-Diaz, Liz Miranda, Mindy Domb and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to equity in COVID-19 vaccination. Public Health.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1517) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Paul J. Donato, Andres X. Vargas, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote community immunity. Public Health.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1355) of Rebecca L. Rausch and David Paul Linsky (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the investment of trust funds benefiting the town of Sherborn Library. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received]