Sen. Liz Miranda

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines the process for sealing criminal and juvenile court records in Massachusetts by mandating that relevant agencies seal eligible records within 90 days of becoming eligible. It directly affects individuals with past criminal or delinquent records, as well as their legal representatives, by removing the requirement to obtain a separate court order to access these sealed documents. The legislation also clarifies that juvenile offenses include cases where the minor was charged as a youthful offender. By enforcing strict timelines and simplifying access procedures, the law aims to make the record sealing process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to align sentencing rules for murders committed during other crimes with those for standalone murders. It directly affects individuals charged with murder in Massachusetts by removing a legal distinction that previously treated killings occurring during the commission of a life-imprisonable crime differently. The key provision states that if someone personally commits a killing while committing another serious crime, it will be classified as murder with the same level of malice required for a standard murder charge. Additionally, the law clarifies that those who help plan or hire others to commit such killings face specific prison terms ranging from 2.5 to 25 years. These changes apply retroactively to cases already in the legal system and to future cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect individuals' rights by automatically sealing criminal records for charges that did not result in a conviction or a guilty plea, thereby reducing long-term barriers to employment and housing. It specifically requires the sealing of records for adults and juveniles who are not found guilty or who have completed their court-ordered conditions, removing the need for them to file separate petitions to clear their names. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that a "continuation without a finding" does not count as a conviction and mandates that background check providers inform requestors that the presumption of innocence applies to pending or non-convicted cases. These changes directly affect people with criminal records by limiting the collateral consequences of charges that were not proven in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts to petition their original sentencing judge for a sentence reduction after serving a minimum number of years in custody. Eligibility depends on the person's age at the time of the offense, requiring at least 10 years served for those who were 25 or younger and 12 years for those 26 or older, with longer wait times of 15 and 18 years respectively for crimes involving loss of life. The law mandates that the Department of Correction notify eligible inmates about this option after 9 and 14 years in custody and requires the court to provide specific reasons for denying any petition. If a petition is denied, the individual must wait at least two years before filing again, though the judge can extend this waiting period up to five years and set specific criteria the inmate must meet to be eligible for a subsequent review.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change how Massachusetts sentences individuals convicted of felony murder, a crime where a death occurs during the commission of another serious offense. Under the new rules, anyone found guilty of such a crime would receive a prison term between 15 and 25 years, or life imprisonment, unless they can prove the killing involved deliberate premeditation or extreme cruelty. This change applies to both people currently on trial for these crimes and those who have already been convicted. The legislation aims to create more consistent sentencing standards for felony murder cases by removing the previous automatic death penalty or life sentence requirement for these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts laws regarding joint venture murder to ensure that individuals who personally commit a killing during a felony are treated as principal perpetrators rather than accessories. It clarifies that such killings constitute first-degree murder if the actor acts with the same malice and forethought as required for standalone murder, while also defining separate sentencing guidelines for those who only aid or encourage the killing without personally committing it. The legislation applies retroactively to anyone charged or convicted before, on, or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Correctional Oversight Office to help implement recommendations from the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Massachusetts correctional facilities. The new office will focus on addressing four specific forms of racism identified in the legislation: institutional policies, systemic interactions between agencies, interpersonal treatment, and internalized biases affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. By establishing this office, the state aims to improve transparency and equity in areas such as healthcare access, job training, and data tracking for both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff. The law also defines key terms like "correctional facility" and "correctional community members" to ensure clear application of these oversight measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to actively identify and apply for federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income and veterans' benefits, for children in foster care who may be eligible. The legislation mandates that the department screen for these benefits within 60 days of a child entering custody and conduct annual reviews to ensure no eligible child is overlooked. Additionally, the law establishes strict guidelines for the department to become a representative payee only when no other suitable candidate exists and only if doing so does not hinder family reunification efforts. The bill also ensures that parents, guardians, and attorneys are notified before the department applies for these benefits or assumes the role of managing the funds.

Senate, May 23, 2024 -- Text of amendment (802) (offered by Senator Montigny) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 4) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Medical Debt Protection Act to shield patients and their families from aggressive debt collection practices. It prohibits medical providers and collectors from using severe measures like arrests, property liens, or wage garnishments until at least 180 days after the first bill is sent. The law also stops creditors from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit agencies or selling debts while an insurance appeal is pending, and it caps interest rates on medical debt at a low percentage.