Sen. Mike Moore

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 100) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative the inequity of digital access through the recruitment and implementation of digital navigators. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Maddy summaryH 4596 establishes a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study how to create a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators - trusted community guides who help residents access affordable internet, devices, and digital skills. The commission, made up of state agency representatives and community organizations, will examine funding models, qualifications for navigators, and how digital navigation services impact health and equity. It will also analyze existing regional initiatives and collect data to inform recommendations. The commission must submit a report with its findings and proposed legislation within six months, but the bill itself does not create the credentialing program or mandate changes.

Maddy summarySD 133 standardizes how courts handle pet custody in divorce or separation cases. It requires courts to prioritize the "best interests of the animal" when deciding pet custody, considering factors like the pet's health, safety, well-being, each party's history with the pet (including time spent and expenses), emotional bonds, and any history of abuse toward animals or humans. The bill establishes clear guidelines for sole or shared custody, including dividing care responsibilities and expenses, and prohibits transferring or disposing of pets without court approval during proceedings. This directly affects divorcing couples with pets by treating companion animals as living beings requiring consideration, not just property.

Maddy summarySD 155 amends a Massachusetts adoption law by replacing "state or the country where it was executed" with "commonwealth or the laws of the place where it was executed." This change clarifies that Massachusetts law must consider both its own regulations (referred to as the "commonwealth") and the applicable laws of the location where an adoption was completed, including international or out-of-state adoptions. It directly affects adoption agencies, courts, and families navigating cross-jurisdictional adoptions. The amendment is a technical correction to legal language for improved clarity, without altering adoption requirements or processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical examiners to complete autopsies and provide reports to legally entitled parties within 90 days of taking jurisdiction, unless a notice of delay with a new completion date and reason is given. It mandates that medical examiners submit annual reports by December 31 each even-numbered year to legislative committees, detailing how many autopsies were completed on time, how many were delayed, and the specific reasons for delays. The law directly affects medical examiners, families legally entitled to autopsy reports, and legislative oversight committees. Key provisions set clear timelines for report delivery and create transparency through mandatory annual data reporting on autopsy processing times.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1501) of Julian Cyr and Michael O. Moore for legislation to update postural screenings in schools. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts labor law to clarify the definition of "employee" under Chapter 151A. It replaces a previous subsection with a new definition stating that service performed "outside the usual course of the business of the employer" does not count as employment. This directly affects employers and workers in situations where services are provided outside typical business operations, such as certain independent contractors or temporary assignments. The change aims to standardize how worker classification is determined under state law.

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1895) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Ryan C. Fattman, Paul W. Mark, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide equity to police officers disabled by cardiac disease. Public Service.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1316) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to address workplace bullying, mobbing, and harassment, without regard to protected class status while promoting healthy workplaces. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 67) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund. Agriculture.