Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to teach hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator use as part of the physical or health education curriculum for grades 9 through 12. To meet this requirement, school districts must choose a free training program based on a nationally recognized standard that includes hands-on practice for every student. Participation is mandatory for graduation, but students can be exempted if a doctor certifies that the training would be harmful to them or if a parent or guardian submits a written objection. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2398) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers in Massachusetts to test their drinking water outlets annually for lead levels exceeding one part per billion. It mandates that testing be conducted by certified laboratories using specific methods and establishes a six-month deadline for facilities that have not previously participated in the state's assistance program. The legislation also defines key terms such as "certified point-of-use filter" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clarity in compliance. Additionally, the act gives the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to adjust testing frequency on a case-by-case basis when necessary for public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, circuses, and similar mobile performances within Massachusetts. It directly affects owners and operators of traveling exhibits by banning the participation of these specific animals in events where they are transported between locations for entertainment purposes. The law includes an exemption for permanent institutions like zoos, provided the animals are not moved specifically for the traveling act. Violations of this new rule can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each animal involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by exempting providers from certain price limits and clarifying who qualifies as a caregiver. It removes restrictions that cap the fees providers can charge, allowing them to set their own rates under specific contracts, while also defining "caregivers" to include guardians and non-resident supervisors. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new definition for "high needs" to identify children and families requiring extra support due to factors like disabilities, trauma, or economic hardship. These changes are designed to increase access to quality care and better support the development of young children across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SHIELD Act, establishes new rules to prevent child sexual abuse in Massachusetts schools and youth-serving organizations. It requires these institutions to adopt specific codes of conduct that define inappropriate behavior, such as romantic invitations or sexually suggestive comments, between staff and minors. Additionally, the law mandates that all school employees who are required to report abuse receive training every two years on how to recognize and prevent such misconduct. State departments will create these policies and review them every five years to ensure they reflect current best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public schools in Massachusetts provide free breakfast and lunch to every student attending the school. To help cover these costs, the legislation requires schools to maximize the use of federal funding programs and assigns the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the responsibility of paying for any remaining expenses not covered by federal reimbursements. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create regulations that help families access supplemental nutrition assistance programs by offering application support or referrals to relevant agencies. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update teacher training programs to include instruction on augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technologies. It directly affects educators by mandating that their professional development plans address the specific needs of nonverbal students or those with limited speech. The law ensures that future teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to support children with disabilities who rely on these communication tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Safe Drinking Water at School Act to mandate annual lead testing for all drinking water outlets in Massachusetts schools and child care centers. It requires facilities to use certified laboratories and specific testing methods to check for lead levels exceeding one part per billion, with a six-month deadline for those previously excluded from the state's assistance program. The legislation defines key terms such as "school" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clear compliance standards across public, charter, and non-public educational facilities. By updating Chapter 111 of the General Laws, the bill creates a uniform requirement for monitoring water safety to protect student health.