Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a court-supervised outpatient treatment program for adults (18+) with severe mental illness who are at substantial risk of harm to self or others and unable to meet basic needs due to their condition, and who have a history of treatment non-adherence (including multiple hospitalizations or violent behavior). Authorized individuals - such as doctors, family members, or probation officers - can petition a court for a "critical community mental health service treatment plan," which must include supervision, medication, and assistance with housing, food, and other essentials. The court must determine this outpatient care is the least restrictive alternative before approving the plan, with initial orders limited to 180 days and renewals to 365 days. The program aims to prevent hospitalizations by providing structured community-based support.
Sen. Mike Brady
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1632) of John C. Velis and Michael D. Brady for legislation to provide safeguards for home healthcare workers. Public Health.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1610) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Michael D. Brady for legislation to assess healthcare access. Public Health.
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1382) of Michael D. Brady and Kenneth P. Sweezey for legislation to establish a board of registration of licensed mental health counselors. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated fund called the "YMCA’s Youth & Government Fund" to support the YMCA's Youth & Government program in Massachusetts. It allows taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to this fund by checking a box on their state income tax return, either as part of a refund or by adding to the amount they owe. The state treasurer will manage the fund, investing contributions to earn interest while keeping funds accessible for immediate use, with unspent money carrying over to future years instead of returning to the general state budget. The program directly benefits youth participants in the YMCA's civic education initiative through this new funding mechanism.
Maddy summarySD 472 expands who can initiate emergency mental health hospitalization by adding licensed mental health counselors to the list of professionals authorized to request a 3-day hold for individuals posing a risk of serious harm to themselves or others. The bill amends Chapter 123 to include licensed mental health counselors alongside physicians, psychologists, and clinical social workers when evaluating emergency cases, and allows them to apply directly for hospitalization. It also updates provisions to include counselors in police officer protocols for emergency referrals. This change directly affects mental health counselors by granting them new authority in crisis situations and impacts individuals in acute mental health crises by expanding access to emergency evaluation. The bill modifies existing emergency protocols without creating new services or funding.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates mandatory "Forensic Units" within certain facilities for specific patient populations. It defines these units as physically separate spaces with incarceration-like restrictions, specialized staff training, and appropriate environments. The law requires that individuals admitted under conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (e) of certain facility admission rules must initially be placed in these Forensic Units. The direct effect is on patients meeting those admission criteria, ensuring they receive care in a designated unit rather than standard facility units. The bill focuses on structural requirements for facility placement, not on treatment protocols or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the creation of two specialized mental health units within the Department of Mental Health: one for men and one for women. These units will serve patients exhibiting persistently aggressive, self-destructive, or unusually violent behavior requiring intensive care. The units must be centrally located, physically separate from other areas, and staffed by trained specialists (including nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists) who provide evaluations, behavioral management, violence assessments, and stabilization services. Upon stabilization, staff must develop a plan for the patient's safe transfer out of the unit.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes that app-based delivery workers (like those for food or package delivery apps) are presumed to be employees of Delivery Network Companies (DNCs) for wage and labor purposes. It requires DNCs to pay at least the state minimum wage for all "working time" (including both delivery time and time spent waiting for assignments), or 150% of minimum wage for delivery time if workers control their schedule. DNCs must provide detailed payroll data to the Department of Labor, including hours worked, pay rates, and incentives, and publish quarterly reports on average wages and hours by location. The bill directly affects app-based delivery workers and the companies using them, changing how their compensation is calculated and reported.