Sen. Liz Miranda

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-step legal process for eviction cases in Massachusetts to help landlords and tenants reach a resolution before a trial begins. It mandates that all eviction cases start with a first-tier hearing where parties can explore resources and mediation without facing immediate penalties for not showing up. If the case is not resolved, it moves to a second tier where a trial date is set. Additionally, the bill requires courts to delay eviction judgments and enforcement actions if a tenant has applied for rental assistance, ensuring they have time to secure financial help.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pregnant individuals and primary caretakers of children or sick family members to request pretrial diversion from criminal charges. Under the new rules, these defendants can propose a plan involving community service, employment, or other programs while their case is paused for up to two years. Courts must approve these motions unless there is clear and convincing evidence of a public safety risk, and any statements made during the diversion process cannot be used against the defendant if the program is later terminated. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges will be dismissed; otherwise, the court may extend the diversion period or restart the criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to restore judicial discretion in Massachusetts by removing mandatory minimum sentencing laws for non-violent drug offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of possessing or trafficking controlled substances, including marijuana, heroin, and other drugs. The key mechanism involves repealing specific sections of state law that previously required fixed prison terms and fines, allowing judges to determine more flexible sentences based on individual circumstances. By eliminating these strict penalties, the legislation seeks to reduce incarceration rates and address disparities in how different offenders are treated under current drug laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston to train students for commercial driver's licenses specifically for transit driving. The program will include both classroom instruction and off-site training sessions. By adding this new section to state law, the legislation authorizes the school to offer this specialized vocational training.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase access to affordable childcare by allowing the state to pay family, friends, and neighbors who care for children in their own homes. It establishes a new payment structure for these caregivers that uses hourly rates and ensures they receive at least the state minimum wage when using childcare vouchers. Additionally, the legislation creates a temporary advisory committee to gather input from various community members and organizations on how to better support and regulate this type of care. The Department of Early Education and Care is responsible for setting up this committee and holding public meetings to discuss the implementation of these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Massachusetts school districts expand access to full-day prekindergarten for children aged 2 to 5. To receive funding, districts must meet strict standards, including maintaining low student-to-instructor ratios, hiring qualified teachers with salaries comparable to K-12 staff, and providing inclusive, evidence-based instruction. The law also requires districts to develop detailed implementation plans overseen by a local council and submit regular progress reports, with the possibility of losing funds if they fail to meet these goals. Priority for grants will be given to districts that have previously received preschool funding or those with lower third-grade reading scores and higher rates of economic disadvantage.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by exempting providers from certain price limits and clarifying who qualifies as a caregiver. It removes restrictions that cap the fees providers can charge, allowing them to set their own rates under specific contracts, while also defining "caregivers" to include guardians and non-resident supervisors. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new definition for "high needs" to identify children and families requiring extra support due to factors like disabilities, trauma, or economic hardship. These changes are designed to increase access to quality care and better support the development of young children across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for state contractors to report how much of their payments go to minority and women-owned businesses and to disclose the racial and gender makeup of their workforce. It mandates that contractors submit these reports within 150 days of receiving a contract, while state agencies must create a standardized form and update their reporting system to collect this data. Additionally, the law sets a goal for the state to align its contracting with the demographic diversity of the population and requires agencies to consider a bidder's past compliance with workforce inclusion commitments. The legislation also defines "low income communities" to ensure that job creation on state construction projects in these areas targets local residents and reflects the community's diversity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state grant program to help schools and childcare centers in Massachusetts buy local food and improve student nutrition. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will manage the program, which provides funding for kitchen equipment, staff training on cooking with local ingredients, and educational projects like school gardens. To receive money, applicants must be public schools or licensed childcare programs that serve meals through state or federal nutrition programs. The law also requires that grant distribution considers geographic, social, economic, and racial equity, and allows up to 15 percent of each grant to be used directly for purchasing locally grown food.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "An Act to provide sunlight to state government," aims to increase transparency in Massachusetts state legislative proceedings. It requires legislative committees to post public testimony submission contact information on the General Court website and mandates that recorded committee votes be published online within 48 hours. Additionally, the law directs committees to make submitted testimony available to the public while allowing for the redaction of sensitive personal or safety-related information, and it encourages the promotion of diversity among expert witness panels. The legislation also extends public access requirements to include records from the office of the governor.