Sen. Becca Rausch

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts cities and towns to inspect all polling places and early voting sites every four years for compliance with federal and state accessibility laws. If barriers are found, local officials must implement temporary fixes within 48 hours and submit a written compliance plan detailing permanent solutions and timelines to the State Secretary. The State Secretary must annually report on inspection results, non-compliance, and corrective actions to the legislature. The law aims to ensure consistent accessibility for voters with disabilities at all voting locations through regular oversight and clear accountability measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 3332) is a resolution introduced by Senators Creem and Peisch to formally rescind all previous applications by Massachusetts for an Article V constitutional convention. It directly affects the state's legislative record by removing prior requests to convene a convention for amending the U.S. Constitution. The key provision is a simple legislative action to withdraw these historical applications, without creating new policy or altering constitutional processes. As a procedural resolution, it does not change state law or impact current voters.

Maddy summaryHD 2136 requires the state secretary to inspect all polling places and early voting sites at least once every four years to ensure compliance with accessibility laws for voters with disabilities. Local election officials must immediately fix any accessibility failures found during inspections and submit a written plan to the state secretary within five days. If they fail to act, the state secretary can order compliance, and the attorney general may sue to enforce the law. The state secretary must also report annually to the legislature on all inspections and enforcement actions under this bill.

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley and Senator Creem, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Alice Hanlon Peisch and Cynthia Stone Creem for the adoption of resolutions to rescind all prior Article V Constitutional Convention applications. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 401) proposes legislation related to healthy school lunches in Massachusetts. The official abstract indicates it is a petition by Senator Jason M. Lewis seeking to address school lunch standards under the Education category, but the provided context does not specify concrete provisions, funding mechanisms, or the exact entities affected (e.g., school districts, students, or food providers). Without further details on policy changes or requirements, a specific summary of its mechanisms cannot be provided. The bill appears to focus on the topic of school nutrition but lacks described actionable elements in the given abstract.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1486) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Mindy Domb, Mark D. Sylvia and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to end of life options. Public Health.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 444) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to celebrate and teach Native American culture and history. Education.

Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.

Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 401) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to healthy school lunches, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2692).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive data privacy law, directly affecting businesses that collect personal information from residents. It requires covered entities (primarily commercial businesses handling personal data) to obtain clear, specific consent for data processing - banning deceptive practices like "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information. Key provisions include strict rules for handling biometric data, prohibiting the use of broad terms of service as consent, and creating new definitions for terms like "data broker." Small businesses with under $20 million annual revenue and certain nonprofits are exempt from most requirements.