Sen. Mike Moore

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to investigate the rise in childhood hunger in Norfolk County that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission will be made up of state officials, local leaders, and representatives from food assistance organizations to examine the causes of food insecurity and its effects on children's health and education. It will also review current food access methods, such as school meals and food pantries, and assess the nutritional quality of food being distributed. Finally, the group is tasked with developing a report with specific recommendations and potential new laws to help reduce hunger in the area by December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing requirement for businesses and organizations in Massachusetts that provide home care services to individuals in their residences. It defines "home care agencies" as entities offering support like assistance with daily activities, housekeeping, or companionship, while explicitly excluding government programs, hospice providers, and existing home health agencies. Under the new rules, any private business operating as a home care agency must obtain a license from the Department of Health and Human Services before it can legally offer these services or use the term "home care" in its advertising. The law specifically mandates licensure for agencies that directly employ workers or contract with companies that employ workers to provide care.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes local towns in Massachusetts to create a property tax exemption specifically for senior citizens. To qualify, an applicant must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the home for at least 10 years, and have previously received the state's senior circuit breaker income tax credit. The amount of the tax break would be determined annually by local assessors and would range from half to twice the value of the senior circuit breaker credit the person received. Local officials would review applications based on income and assets, and the total cost of these exemptions would be funded by adjusting the overall residential tax levy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt child care and school age programs from state-imposed price limits on their services. Specifically, it protects contracts between the Department of Early Education and Care and these providers from any future price caps set by the Bureau of Price Control. The change directly affects families relying on state-funded early education programs by ensuring their providers can set fees without government restrictions. By removing these limitations, the legislation aims to maintain the current financial support structure for early education services across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires the state crime laboratory to conduct an audit of the DNA databank to identify missing profiles from offenders who were legally required to provide samples. The law mandates that the laboratory first submit a preliminary report estimating the number of missing samples by December 15, 2023, followed by a final report detailing specific offenses and collection failures. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for an annual audit to be completed and reported to the legislature by December 15 of each subsequent year.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans in Massachusetts who have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have served under honorable conditions, while the property must be their primary residence. The exemption covers a percentage of the home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating, with the state covering the resulting tax loss by reimbursing local municipalities. Additionally, the benefit extends to the surviving spouse if they continue to own and occupy the home after the veteran passes away.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy Resources to establish a specific statewide goal for capturing and storing carbon in natural and working lands. The legislation requires the Secretary to work with relevant departments to set this target, ensuring it aligns with the state's existing greenhouse gas emission reduction plans. Additionally, the bill mandates a study to assess how much carbon salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways can absorb, taking into account the state's extensive coastline. By adding a new section to the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework for measuring and enhancing carbon storage in the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts child protective services to gather and share information about the military status of family members when investigating credible allegations of domestic abuse or child neglect. It mandates that area directors create formal agreements with the Military Family Advocacy Program at local bases to establish clear procedures for reporting cases involving military personnel. These protocols are designed to ensure investigations are handled correctly while maintaining confidentiality and protecting the safety of victims and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to classify neonatal abstinence syndrome as a closely related development condition, thereby making affected children eligible for state support services. Additionally, it requires the department to create new regulations that improve coordination between different agencies to ensure continuity of care and access to health services for individuals aging out of the program. By updating official definitions and mandating better interagency cooperation, the legislation aims to provide a more comprehensive support system for children born with this condition and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that aligns with state goals and focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The plans must detail how districts will provide professional development, select core curricula, and offer interventions for students who struggle with reading, particularly in grades K-3. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a list of approved training programs and free online modules to help teachers and administrators implement science-based literacy practices. A stakeholder panel will also be formed to recommend improvements for teacher training and licensure related to early literacy by the end of 2024.