Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Massachusetts 401(k) CORE plan, a retirement savings program for small businesses with 20 or fewer employees. It removes the current employee count limit, allowing more small businesses to participate, and authorizes the state treasurer to seek private donations or grants to lower the plan's operating costs. These changes aim to expand access to retirement savings for smaller employers while reducing the financial burden on the program through external funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid leave policy in Massachusetts that allows employees to take up to 10 days of paid time off each calendar year for pregnancy loss or related fertility issues. The leave is intended for individuals experiencing miscarriage, failed assisted reproductive procedures, unsuccessful adoptions, failed surrogacy arrangements, or other fertility-related diagnoses, as well as for those caring for a spouse or domestic partner facing these circumstances. Employers must pay employees their regular rate of pay and maintain their benefits during this time, though the bill exempts companies that already offer sufficient leave under similar conditions. The legislation also requires the state labor department to track the percentage of claims made for this specific type of leave and prohibits employers from forcing employees to find replacements while on leave.

Senate, October 26, 2023 -- Text of the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 2491) (being the text of Senate, No. 2481, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to ensure that MassHealth fills a growing percentage of authorized skilled nursing hours for medically fragile children, targeting 75 percent by 2023, 80 percent by 2024, and 85 percent by 2025. It directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to increase the budget for these services and allows funds to be used specifically to raise nurse wages. Additionally, the bill requires MassHealth to submit annual reports on how many hours are filled and whether authorization rules have become more restrictive. The legislation also mandates an Office of Medicaid review to analyze wage rates paid by home health agencies and provide recommendations for future reporting standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law dedicated to language access and inclusion for state agencies. It creates a legal framework requiring agencies to provide equal access to public services for individuals who do not speak English as their primary language. The legislation mandates that agencies develop formal language access plans to outline how they will offer translation and interpretation services. Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as "limited English proficient" and "culturally competent" to guide how state departments interact with diverse populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires three types of facilities in Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products to people who menstruate. Specifically, it mandates that temporary housing providers, such as shelters and safe houses, supply these items without cost. Additionally, the law requires all primary and secondary schools to offer free menstrual products in restrooms, and it orders correctional facilities, including jails and prisons, to provide these products to incarcerated individuals. The legislation aims to ensure convenient and non-stigmatizing access to sanitary napkins, tampons, and liners in these specific settings.

Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 1381),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2481).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires real estate license applicants in Massachusetts to complete at least four hours of training on fair housing law or diversity and inclusion before taking their licensing exam. Additionally, it mandates that licensed brokers and salespeople complete a renewal course containing at least two hours of instruction on fair housing law or diversity and inclusion every renewal period. The legislation applies to individuals seeking real estate sales licenses and those currently holding broker or salesman licenses in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to protect the right to repair portable wireless devices, such as smartphones. It defines specific roles like "authorized repair providers" and "independent repair providers" to clarify who can legally fix these devices. The legislation requires manufacturers to provide necessary parts, tools, and technical documentation to independent repair shops on fair and reasonable terms, ensuring they have equal access to repair information. By mandating these provisions, the bill aims to allow consumers to choose where they get their devices fixed without being restricted by manufacturer policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework in Massachusetts to ensure that owners of portable wireless devices can have them repaired by independent repair shops. It requires manufacturers to provide independent repair providers with the necessary parts, tools, and technical documentation on fair and reasonable terms, preventing companies from blocking third-party repairs through restrictive access. The law defines specific categories for manufacturers, authorized repair providers, and independent repair providers to clarify who must comply with these access requirements. By mandating access to repair resources, the legislation aims to increase consumer choice and competition in the device repair market.