Maddy summaryThis bill reformers forfeiture laws in Massachusetts by updating definitions and establishing clearer rules for seizing property connected to crimes. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and individuals whose assets might be taken as punishment. The law introduces specific exemptions for small vehicles and limited cash, requires a higher standard of proof known as clear and convincing evidence, and allows courts to waive the need for a criminal conviction in cases where the defendant has died, been deported, or granted immunity. Additionally, the bill permits the seizure of substitute property if a defendant intentionally hides assets to avoid forfeiture, while explicitly stating that innocent owners and creditors retain the right to claim their interests in the property.
Sen. Liz Miranda
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Massachusetts to address controlling and abusive litigation, specifically targeting cases involving current or former family members where one party has a history of abuse or harassment. It defines abusive litigation as legal actions initiated primarily to harass or intimidate, characterized by claims lacking legal or evidentiary support, or issues previously lost in other courts. The legislation empowers judges to issue orders that restrict a perpetrator from filing, serving, or continuing such lawsuits, effectively barring them from using the court system to maintain contact with their victim.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes local health agencies in Massachusetts to conduct detailed reviews of fetal and infant deaths within their jurisdictions. The law establishes a process for the state Department of Public Health to designate these agencies based on their expertise and capacity to analyze local factors contributing to these tragedies. Authorized agencies will be permitted to collect necessary data from medical records, hospital files, and community programs to better understand causes and improve public health policies. The legislation aims to create a systematic approach for identifying preventable issues and informing future support systems for child and maternal health.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the regulations for licensed free-standing birth centers in Massachusetts to modernize their operational requirements. It mandates that these facilities create specific plans for transferring patients to hospitals during emergencies and developing policies for managing complications. A key provision removes the requirement for birth centers to be supervised by hospitals or maintain hospital privileges, while still requiring an administrative director and clinical leadership by a nurse midwife or physician. The Department of Public Health is tasked with finalizing these new rules within 180 days, aiming to ensure safe and accessible birth options.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to oversee and regulate the practice of midwifery. The eight-member board will be appointed by the governor and must include licensed midwives, a physician experienced with midwives, a certified nurse-midwife, and members of the public, with specific requirements to ensure diversity and address racial disparities in maternal health. Board members will serve three-year terms without pay but with expense reimbursement, and the board will meet at least four times each year to carry out its duties.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program to cover pediatrician visits for screening postpartum depression in mothers within the first year after their child is born. It also creates a system where designated local health agencies are authorized to conduct detailed reviews of fetal and infant deaths to better understand and address local causes. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, mothers, and local public health departments by expanding mental health coverage and improving data collection for maternal and child health services.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1413) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to culturally competent and effective health care; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2278) of Chynah Tyler relative to the collection and publishing of physician workforce data concerning race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual identity, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2684).
April 22, 2024 --- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1415) of Liz Miranda, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Paul W. Mark, Tram T. Nguyen and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to birthing justice in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2734).
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid to cover doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The coverage includes continuous labor support, home visits, assistance with appointments, and help connecting families to community resources. By adding this specific provision to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that state-funded health care plans include these supportive services for qualifying beneficiaries.