Sen. Mike Moore

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for filing civil lawsuits regarding child abuse in Massachusetts to 35 years from the date of the abuse or seven years from when the victim discovers the emotional injury, whichever is later. It directly affects survivors of abuse who were previously barred from seeking legal compensation if they waited too long to come forward, as the clock on their claims is paused until they turn 18. The law also covers cases where a defendant was negligent in supervising the abuser or contributed to the abuse, ensuring these claims follow the same extended timeline. Crucially, the act applies retroactively, meaning it allows individuals to file claims even if the original statute of limitations has already expired.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate facilities that collect source plasma through plasmapheresis. It requires the Department of Public Health to establish registration standards for these centers that align with federal guidelines and maintain a public list of approved facilities. The legislation also mandates that blood or blood products from paid donors cannot be used for transfusions unless a physician determines no compatible alternative is available for the patient.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to restrict the use of certain toxic chemicals, known as PFAS, in firefighter protective gear like jackets, pants, and helmets. It requires manufacturers to inform buyers at the time of sale if such chemicals are present and explains why they were added. Starting in 2027, the law prohibits the sale or distribution of firefighting equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The measure directly affects manufacturers, local governments, and state agencies that purchase or supply this equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove the specific mention of chief probation officers from a list of individuals eligible for a particular legal provision. The change directly affects how probation leadership roles are referenced within the state's judicial statutes. By striking the existing text, the legislation simplifies the legal language without adding new powers or responsibilities to probation officers. The amendment does not alter the core duties of the role but updates the statutory wording to align with current legal definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to ensure that protective orders issued in domestic violence cases continue to protect the plaintiff's children even after the plaintiff dies. Specifically, it requires courts to order defendants to refrain from abusing or contacting the children unless authorized by a judge. These protections remain in effect until a court officially removes them or the order's expiration date is reached. The change directly affects survivors of domestic violence and their children by extending legal safeguards beyond the life of the original victim.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by government entities in Massachusetts to regulate law enforcement operations and protect individual privacy. It requires that any drone used by state or local officials must comply with federal aviation standards, prohibits equipping them with weapons, and restricts their use primarily to executing warrants or responding to immediate life-threatening emergencies. The legislation also bans the use of facial recognition or biometric technology on drone data, limits data collection to specific warrant subjects, and mandates the deletion of non-target information within 24 hours. Additionally, it prevents data gathered illegally or in violation of retention limits from being used as evidence in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act to explicitly include dates of birth as a form of personal identifying information. The change directly affects businesses and organizations that collect, store, or transmit personal data, requiring them to treat birth dates with the same level of security as other sensitive details like names or social security numbers. By updating the legal definition, the legislation mandates that these entities implement appropriate safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of birth dates. This update strengthens existing privacy protections without altering other aspects of the law or creating new regulatory requirements beyond the expanded definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Cybersecurity Control and Review Commission to develop and enforce cybersecurity standards for businesses and state agencies in Massachusetts. The commission will be led by state officials and include members appointed by the governor and the Massachusetts Municipal Association, with specific expertise required in healthcare, banking, utilities, and academia. Its primary duties involve creating sector-specific security guidelines based on national frameworks, accrediting businesses that meet these standards, and mandating that entities handling critical data or infrastructure comply with the rules. Additionally, the commission must submit confidential annual reports to legislative committees and release a public summary of its findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens security at Massachusetts courthouses by clarifying and expanding the legal penalties for unauthorized individuals carrying firearms inside these buildings. It directly affects licensed gun owners and anyone entering a courthouse, prohibiting them from carrying a loaded or unloaded firearm without written permission from the trial court administrator and chief justice. Under the new rules, a violation results in fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail, while carrying a weapon with the intent to use it during a crime carries heavier penalties of up to five years in state prison. Additionally, the bill formally authorizes court officers to exercise police powers within courthouses and on adjacent grounds, including parking lots, to maintain order. Finally, the legislation requires that notices about these security provisions be posted at every public entrance to each courthouse.