Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state trust fund to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build secondary housing units (like backyard cottages or basement apartments) on their properties. It targets property owners with incomes up to 110% of the local median income (as defined by federal housing standards). The fund will provide financial assistance for pre-construction costs - such as design fees, permits, utility connections, and site preparation - but only the minimum amount needed to make the project feasible. Administered by the state housing office or designated agencies, the fund will accept state appropriations, private donations, and other sources, with unspent funds remaining in the fund rather than reverting to the general state budget.
Sen. Liz Miranda
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-mandated bereavement leave policy in Massachusetts. It requires most employers to allow employees up to 10 business days of leave within a 12-month period following the death of a covered family member (including children, parents, spouses, siblings, or partners in a substantive dating relationship living with the employee) to handle funeral arrangements, attend services, or grieve. Employers must permit the leave but decide whether it is paid or unpaid, and employees must request leave within 30 days of learning of the death. The law exempts employers with fewer than 10 employees in the Commonwealth and takes effect on January 1, 2025.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1391) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to harm reduction and racial justice. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
Maddy summarySD 803, the Massachusetts Survivors Act, allows adults and children charged with crimes to request alternative resolutions if their alleged offenses were linked to past abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, or human trafficking. Defendants can file motions supported by evidence like court records, medical documentation, or expert testimony about trauma, requiring only a "prima facie showing" (sufficient evidence to suggest eligibility) rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If eligible, courts may grant pretrial diversion (suspending charges for 3-24 months with conditions like counseling or community service), reduced sentences, or postconviction relief. The law mandates annual reporting by the Attorney General on motion statistics, including demographics, and prohibits using evidence presented under this act against defendants in future prosecutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents Massachusetts courts from using juvenile court findings (such as delinquency or youthful offender rulings) as prior convictions to impose enhanced sentences on adults or juveniles. It amends state law to explicitly state that juvenile adjudications - including those from other states - cannot trigger sentencing enhancements, and clarifies that these findings will not be counted as prior offenses. Additionally, the bill requires resentencing for current inmates serving sentences based on such juvenile findings, without increasing their sentence length, probation, or parole terms.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1649) updates Massachusetts victim compensation rules by increasing the maximum funeral and burial expense reimbursement to $15,000 and expanding eligibility to include legal guardians, dependents, and other family members of crime victims. It also extends the deadline for filing claims from the previous timeframe to five years after the crime occurs. These changes directly affect families of crime victims seeking financial assistance for funeral costs in Massachusetts. The bill modifies specific sections of Chapter 258C of the General Laws to implement these concrete policy updates.
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.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 130) of Cindy F. Friedman, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a livable wage for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1147) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Jason M. Lewis, Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to provide civil legal remedies for victims of economic abuse. The Judiciary.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 118) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation to lift kids out of deep poverty. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.