Sen. Liz Miranda

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow medical debt to be reported on consumer credit reports, which previously excluded such information. The change directly affects individuals with unpaid medical bills and creditors who compile credit reports by expanding the types of financial data that can be included. It specifically permits the inclusion of medical debt in credit files unless the transaction involves a principal amount of fifty thousand dollars or more, or it relates to underwriting life insurance with a face amount of fifty thousand dollars or more. By removing the existing exemption for medical debt, the legislation enables lenders and insurers to consider unpaid medical balances when evaluating creditworthiness for large loans or life insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new right for employees in Massachusetts to take up to 10 business days of bereavement leave within a 12-month period following the death of a family member. The law defines family members to include children, parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, and partners living with the employee, allowing time for funeral arrangements, attending services, grieving, or handling legal matters. Employers have the discretion to decide whether this leave is paid or unpaid, and they may require proof of death, such as a medical record or police report. The policy applies only to employers with 10 or more employees in the state and does not affect existing contracts or laws that offer more generous leave benefits.

Senate, January 22, 2024 --The committee on Labor and Workforce Development, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1145) of Michael J. Barrett and Sean Garballey for legislation to ensure bereavement leave; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1205) of Liz Miranda and Lydia Edwards for legislation relative to bereavement leave; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1879) of Sean Garballey, David M. Rogers and others relative to bereavement leave under the family and medical leave act; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1961) of Christopher J. Worrell relative to bereavement leave, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2562).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Baby Bonds Trust Fund to help children born on or after July 1, 2024, who receive state cash assistance or are in state care, build wealth through education, home purchases, or business investments. The state treasurer will manage the fund, which can accept public and private donations, and will provide investment options specifically for these designated beneficiaries. To oversee the program, the bill establishes an advisory board that includes state officials and community representatives to set policies, prevent fraud, and ensure the fund supports communities disproportionately affected by the racial wealth gap.

Senate, October 26, 2023 -- Text of the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 2491) (being the text of Senate, No. 2481, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to ensure state agencies provide timely and culturally competent language services to individuals with limited English proficiency. It requires agencies to create written language access plans that outline specific tasks, deadlines, and responsible personnel to guarantee equal access to public services. The legislation defines key terms such as "equal access" and "culturally competent" to guide how agencies must communicate with non-English speakers. By mandating these administrative blueprints, the law aims to remove language barriers for residents seeking government assistance, programs, or activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs state building examiners to create rules allowing for gender-neutral restrooms in public and private buildings across Massachusetts. The new regulations would permit facilities that include multiple stalls separated by privacy walls or partitions, along with shared handwashing areas. These changes apply to all types of construction projects, including new builds, repairs, and renovations, regardless of the building's specific use category. By amending the state building code, the legislation aims to provide a standardized framework for installing inclusive bathroom options in existing and future structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to lower the maximum rates that temporary nursing agencies can charge skilled nursing facilities for nurse and aide services. To set these new caps, the department must calculate rates based on the average wages of regular facility employees plus payroll taxes, ensuring agency fees do not exceed 150% of those wages. The legislation also requires agencies to report if they are owned by the same people who own the facilities where they place workers, which would ban such agencies from staffing those specific facilities. Additionally, the bill mandates stronger reporting on worker compensation, training, and performance, while requiring the department to consult with senior care and healthcare worker unions before making these changes. The Department of Public Health must finalize and adopt these new regulations within 180 days of the bill passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month in Massachusetts to increase public understanding of the condition. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation highlighting PCOS as the most common endocrine disorder in women and encouraging appropriate observance of the month. The legislation aims to promote better education about the disorder, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and improved care for affected individuals.