Sen. Joan Lovely

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing system for commercial interior designers in Massachusetts to advance the profession. It creates a Board of Registration to issue two-year certificates to individuals who pass a national exam and meet specific educational requirements. The law defines the scope of work these designers can perform, such as preparing plans for interior spaces without altering structural elements, while explicitly excluding major structural, electrical, or plumbing changes that require an architect. Additionally, the bill mandates that licensed designers complete continuing education courses to maintain their registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate debt collection practices and protect consumers from aggressive collection tactics. It defines key terms such as "consumer," "creditor," and "debt buyer" to clarify who is covered under the new rules. The legislation specifically mandates that a consumer's weekly earnings must be exempt from garnishment if they are less than 65 times the state or federal minimum hourly wage. This provision ensures that low-income individuals cannot have their essential income seized to satisfy a judgment for consumer debt.

Senate, February 9, 2023 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Lovely) to the proposed House Order for the adoption of permanent Joint Rules for the 193rd General Court governing the 2023-2024 legislative session (House, No. 2025).

Senate, February 2, 2023 -- Order (Senator Lovely) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the Senate Report relative to Rules of the Senate for 2023-2024 (Senate, No. 17).

Senate, February 2, 2023 -- Order (Senator Lovely) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the Senate Report relative to proposed Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives for 2023-2024 (Senate, No. 18).

Substituted by the House, on motion of Ms. Garlick of Needham, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 5396) [Local Approval Received]. December 19, 2022.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1515) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Sonia Chang-Diaz, Liz Miranda, Mindy Domb and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to equity in COVID-19 vaccination. Public Health.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1477) of Mark C. Montigny, Adam J. Scanlon, Michael O. Moore, Carole A. Fiola and other members of the General Court for legislation to create designated stroke centers. Public Health.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2353) of Joan B. Lovely and Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to online driver education. Transportation.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 314) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Mathew J. Muratore, Steven Ultrino, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to universal school meals. Education.