Maddy summaryHD 587 establishes the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to provide state assistance for constructing or renovating public safety facilities, including police stations, fire stations, and other community safety infrastructure. The authority, led by the state treasurer, will manage funding from a dedicated 0.5% sales tax revenue stream (from certain retail sales) held in a trust fund specifically for public safety projects. Local towns can apply for financial support to cover costs of building or upgrading these facilities, with the authority overseeing project eligibility and disbursement. The program aims to help communities address rising construction expenses while ensuring facilities meet safety, accessibility, and community development needs.
Sen. Joan Lovely
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1551) amends Massachusetts law to clarify jurisdiction over National Park Service properties in the state. It adds "waters" to the definition of protected areas and explicitly includes "buildings" acquired, leased, or controlled by the National Park Service after the bill's effective date. Under the bill, jurisdiction over these properties shifts fully to the United States when the National Park Service Director files notice with the governor and state secretary. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts coordinates with the National Park Service on federal lands, waters, and buildings within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority and a dedicated trust fund financed by 33% of the state's marijuana sales tax revenue. The authority will use these funds to help cities and towns build or improve public safety buildings (like police stations and fire stations) and municipal facilities (such as town halls and public works offices). The state treasurer will hold the fund and disburse money to the authority without requiring annual legislative approval. This provides a stable, long-term funding source for local infrastructure projects.
Maddy summaryThis procedural bill (SD 3316) allows current Massachusetts General Court members to co-sponsor bills originally filed by former Senator Edward J. Kennedy without needing the original sponsor's approval. It requires co-sponsorship requests to follow Senate Rules and be submitted via email to the Senate Clerk. The order, adopted October 23, 2025, specifically applies to legislation filed by Senator Kennedy during his tenure.
Maddy summarySD 1572 prohibits bullying in Massachusetts housing communities primarily for residents aged 55+ or with disabilities (subsidized by HUD or the state). It defines bullying broadly to include cyberbullying, group bullying, and mobbing (where management condones bullying), and bans retaliation against reporters. Owners/managers must create and implement evidence-based bullying prevention plans within six months, train all staff and residents, and update these plans biennially. The Attorney General’s office will develop model plans, resources, and conduct biennial surveys to assess bullying prevalence and prevention effectiveness.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1367) strengthens penalties for sexual assaults by adults in positions of trust involving children. It specifically targets individuals like teachers, coaches, child care providers, foster parents, or family members with custody who commit indecent assault or abuse against children under 18. For children under 14, offenders face life imprisonment or a minimum 10-year sentence with no parole or early release; for children aged 14-17, penalties include up to 10 years in prison. The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and bars defenses claiming the trusted role ended. Prosecutions under this law cannot be dismissed without a finding.
Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, removing the need for individuals to file petitions. For adults, misdemeanor records become eligible for automatic sealing 3 years after conviction (or 7 years for felonies), excluding sex offenses (which still require a request) and specific drug offenses. Correctional facilities must report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who must seal eligible records within 30 days. Juveniles' records are automatically sealed after a 3-year waiting period without requiring petitions, and agencies must provide notice about sealing at the time of conviction or adjudication.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill removes a $100,000 cap on damages for childhood sexual abuse claims and allows survivors to file lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. It specifically applies to all claims involving minors (as defined in Chapter 260, Section 4C), including cases against public employees or contractors. The law retroactively covers past cases that would have been barred by statute of limitations. These changes expand legal remedies available to survivors without requiring proof of negligence for certain claims.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 151) of Joan B. Lovely and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to establish a diaper benefits pilot program. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 156) of Joan B. Lovely and Susannah M. Whipps that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to tthe treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.