Sen. Liz Miranda

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect the in-person visitation rights of incarcerated individuals by prohibiting correctional facilities from unreasonably restricting access. It mandates that facilities provide at least five four-hour visiting periods per week and allows visitors to travel from over 75 miles away without prior approval if they pass a background check. The legislation also bans discrimination against visitors based on their criminal history or past incarceration and requires that new visitors be allowed to see an inmate within ten days of their request. Additionally, it prevents facilities from forcing inmates to choose between visiting family and other loved ones and stops the requirement for pre-approval lists to be reset when an inmate is transferred to a new facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new independent office dedicated to overseeing structural racism within Massachusetts correctional facilities. The office will collect and analyze detailed data on incarcerated people and staff, breaking down information by race, ethnicity, gender, and other demographics to monitor daily operations. Its primary goal is to track progress in dismantling systemic racial inequalities identified by a previous legislative commission. By creating this independent oversight body, the legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how the justice system treats Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Safe Communities Act, aims to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents by restricting how law enforcement interacts with individuals regarding their immigration status. It prohibits police officers and other law enforcement employees from questioning victims or witnesses about their immigration status unless required by state or federal law, while allowing judges and magistrates to make such inquiries during legal proceedings. Additionally, the legislation mandates that any interviews conducted by immigration agents or law enforcement for deportation purposes must happen only with the person's informed consent, which requires signing a written form explaining the purpose and consequences of the interview. The consent form must be available in English and other languages commonly spoken in the state, and it must offer the option for the individual to have an attorney present during the interview.

Senate, July 17, 2024 -- Text of amendment (36) (offered by Senator Miranda) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2871) to the Senate Bill relative to health care market review

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the city of Boston the authority to allow residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local municipal elections, even though they are not yet eligible to vote in state or federal elections. Under the proposed law, these younger residents would register on a separate list using a special form and cast ballots only for city offices and local ballot questions. Once a resident turns 18, they would be removed from this separate list and required to register as a standard voter to participate in all elections. The bill explicitly states that this new voting right does not extend to state or federal offices or statewide ballot measures.

By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan Meschino and others for legislation to promote the development of clean energy. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (474) (offered by Senator Crighton) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (351) (offered by Senator Lewis) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program to support the recruitment and retention of primary care staff at community health centers across Massachusetts. The initiative provides loan repayment assistance to eligible clinicians and bachelor's degree-level mental health or primary care professionals, with a specific focus on increasing workforce diversity. To qualify, individuals must have outstanding educational debt, work full-time at a community health center, and commit to a four-year contract with the state. The program is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and will be funded using existing state reserves for behavioral health and primary care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to strengthen oversight of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). It extends the term of the Massport Board of Directors from five to six years and adds the division of transportation reviews to the list of entities the state auditor must oversee. Additionally, the legislation requires the state auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of Massport every two years, with the authority covering the cost of these reviews. These changes aim to increase transparency and accountability within the transportation authority without altering its operational powers.