By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 261) of Jay D. Livingstone, Michael J. Finn and others relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2166) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to the 401(k) CORE plan. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases workers' compensation funeral benefits in Massachusetts. It replaces the previous limit of eight times the average weekly wage with a new cap of $25,000 or ten times the average weekly wage (whichever is greater). The law also expands covered expenses to include funeral visitation, interment space, burial services, flowers, caskets, death notices, and headstones. These changes directly affect families of workers who die on the job, ensuring broader coverage for unplanned death-related funeral costs.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 158) of Joan B. Lovely and Catherine Fritz, for legislation to increase accessibility in restaurants for physically handicapped persons. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 152) of Joan B. Lovely and Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to preventing sexual abuse of children and youth by adults in positions of authority or trust. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 480) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote infection prevention and privacy for residents of nursing homes. Elder Affairs.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 287) of Bruce E. Tarr and James C. Arena-DeRosa for legislation relative to horse riding instructors licensing. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts from considering a parent's disability or its effects as a negative factor in custody, parenting time, or child protection decisions (like removal of a child) without specific evidence. It requires courts to make detailed written findings if disability is considered, proving a direct link between the disability and harm to the child, and showing that accommodations like adaptive equipment or supportive parenting services cannot prevent or alleviate that harm. The bill defines "disability" broadly (consistent with the ADA), "adaptive parenting equipment" (tools to support parenting), and "supportive parenting services" (training or therapies to help parents manage disability-related challenges). It directly affects parents with disabilities navigating family court cases involving their children. The law aims to prevent discrimination by ensuring courts prioritize accessible accommodations before making decisions based on disability.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state law to explicitly include "any beneficiary of a nominee trust" in the legal definition of who may petition for the partition of property. It directly affects beneficiaries of nominee trusts, who previously may not have been clearly covered under the existing "any person" language. The key change is a simple textual addition to an existing statute, expanding eligibility for partition proceedings without altering substantive requirements. This is a procedural clarification, not a policy change affecting broader groups or creating new programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to screen job applicants for positions involving regular student contact by verifying past employment for history of child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations. Applicants must disclose any such investigations (unless resolved as false) and schools must contact former employers and check the Central Registry for substantiated abuse findings. Substantiated abuse findings disqualify applicants, and false disclosures can lead to employment denial or termination. The law directly affects all schools and service providers hiring staff with student-facing roles.
