Sen. Barry Finegold

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to clarify how legal representatives, such as executors or trustees, can access a deceased person's digital assets like emails and social media accounts. It establishes that a fiduciary's authority to view these accounts depends on the user's specific instructions, which may be set through a power of attorney, a court order, or an online tool provided by the service. If the user has not left any specific instructions, the law grants the fiduciary the right to access the digital assets without needing the permission of the service provider. The legislation also defines key terms like "digital asset" and "custodian" to ensure consistent application across various online platforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows motorcyclists in Massachusetts to use breakdown lanes, access lanes, or split travel lanes when traffic is moving at 10 miles per hour or slower. Under the new rules, motorcycles must travel in these lanes at speeds no greater than 25 miles per hour and must yield to any disabled or emergency vehicles already present. The law applies to all drivers of motorcycles and aims to improve traffic flow in slow-moving situations by giving two-wheeled vehicles specific permission to use areas previously restricted to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to allow the amendment of marriage certificates when one spouse has undergone permanent sex reassignment. To proceed, the affected individual must submit an affidavit confirming their gender change and the validity of the marriage, along with a notarized medical statement and written consent from their spouse. If the person has also legally changed their name, they must provide a certified copy of that name change document. The legislation aims to ensure marriage records accurately reflect the reassigned sex of the spouse without requiring a new marriage license.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state funding allocation to broaden the scope of approved school improvements in Wilmington from a specific project at Wildwood school to general school improvements town-wide. By replacing the specific project name with the broader term "school improvements," the legislation allows the town to use the designated funds for various infrastructure needs rather than being restricted to a single location. The change directly affects the town of Wilmington by increasing its flexibility in how it spends the allocated capital funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil cause of action in Massachusetts to allow individuals to sue others for maliciously sharing their personal information. It defines "personal information" to include details like home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, while also protecting sensitive data related to health care, race, and religion. To succeed in a lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant knowingly shared this information without consent and did so with the specific intent to cause harassment, stalking, or physical harm. If found liable, the defendant could be ordered to pay actual and punitive damages, court costs, and attorney fees. The law explicitly exempts interactive computer services and information content providers from this liability.

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2485) of Barry R. Finegold and Tram T. Nguyen (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Tewksbury to lease the Trahan Elementary School for a term of years not exceeding 99 years. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new certification program for medication aides to work in Massachusetts long-term care facilities. It authorizes the Department of Public Health to design training, testing, and oversight standards for staff who can safely administer oral and topical non-narcotic medications. The legislation also establishes a pathway for current resident care assistants and certified nurse aides to become certified through apprenticeship programs and requires ongoing education and biennial re-certification for all certified aides.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to examine the youth sports industry in Massachusetts. The nine-member panel includes representatives from government leaders, major athletic associations, and private sports organizations. The commission will investigate best practices, potential oversight needs, financial challenges caused by the pandemic, and the costs families face. It must submit its findings and recommendations to state officials within one year of the law taking effect.

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2522) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to the creditable service of former employees of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing requirement for drain cleaners in Massachusetts to ensure professional standards in the field. It defines a drain cleaner as someone who removes blockages from plumbing systems within a building, such as sinks and toilets, and explicitly prohibits them from installing or cutting pipes. To become certified, individuals must complete at least 100 hours of supervised work under a licensed plumber or an established business before January 1, 2025, and pay a renewal fee of no more than fifty dollars every two years. The legislation directly affects anyone currently working as a drain cleaner or those seeking to enter the profession by creating a formal certification process managed by the state board.