Sen. Will Brownsberger

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Correctional Inspector General office in Massachusetts to oversee and improve transparency within the state's correctional facilities. The office will be led by a civilian appointed by the attorney general, state auditor, and treasurer from a list of three candidates provided by a diverse nominating committee that includes representatives from various community groups and legal organizations. The inspector general will serve a five-year term, can be removed only for just cause, and is prohibited from having prior employment in the Department of Correction or any sheriff's office to ensure independence. By adding records from this new office to the state's public records law, the legislation aims to increase accountability and oversight for incarcerated populations without specifying particular operational changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for certain COVID-19 emergency measures in Massachusetts from March 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024. It directly affects state agencies and individuals subject to rules established during the state of emergency, such as those related to health and safety protocols. The legislation achieves this by amending two existing laws to update their effective dates, ensuring that specific accommodations remain in place for an additional year.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires owners of newly constructed or substantially renovated public spaces to install induction loop listening systems, which help people with hearing aids or cochlear implants hear better. The law applies to places like theaters, libraries, banks, and restaurants, provided the renovation costs more than $40,000. Owners must display permanent signage indicating the system is available and submit a biennial self-certification form confirming the equipment still works. The bill also allows for exemptions if a local agency determines that installing the system is impractical for a specific building. Additionally, the state Board of Building Regulations and Standards will create specific rules for installation, signage design, and criteria for what counts as a public space.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the $100,000 cap on damages for victims of sexual abuse of minors who sue state or charitable organizations in Massachusetts. It specifically applies to claims against the state government and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, ensuring these entities can be held liable for the full amount of damages in such cases. The law defines sexual abuse of a minor according to existing state statutes and extends this protection to include claims against public employees and contractors working for these organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires fire service personnel, police officers, and emergency medical service providers in Massachusetts to complete training courses that provide a basic understanding of American Sign Language. By amending existing state laws, the legislation mandates that these professionals receive ongoing education in ASL to improve communication with the Deaf community during emergencies. Additionally, the bill allows state departments to designate specific ASL courses as eligible for continuing education credits, ensuring that this training is integrated into standard professional development.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws regarding benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics to improve patient safety and education. It requires pharmacists to include bolded warnings about long-term risks on prescription labels and to provide educational pamphlets to patients at the time of dispensing. The legislation also mandates that doctors obtain written informed consent before prescribing these drugs and limits written prescriptions to less than a ten-day supply to prevent refills. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Public Health to create guidelines for safely tapering off these medications and establishes a nine-member commission to study safe discontinuation protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Community Justice Programs within the Massachusetts Department of Correction to create a statewide network of community-based alternatives to jail and prison. It authorizes courts to sentence eligible individuals to intensive supervision with treatment, which combines monitoring, services, and accountability measures for those assessed as moderate to high risk for reoffending. Additionally, the legislation allows courts to order participation in pretrial services programs instead of setting bail, provided the defendant consents and the program ensures their return to court or community safety. The bill also sets up a formal process where sheriffs can recommend pretrial programs to courts, with specific timelines for objections by prosecutors or the commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program allowing Massachusetts cities and towns to install automated cameras that issue fines for specific traffic violations like running red lights, speeding, and passing school buses. The program is designed to be equitable by limiting the number of cameras to one for every 2,500 residents and requiring public hearings with crash data before any camera is placed. Local officials must designate a representative to manage the system and submit annual reports detailing camera locations, fine statistics, and maintenance records to the state Department of Transportation. The legislation also defines which traffic infractions are enforceable by these cameras and establishes clear rules for their placement on public roads or attached to school buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to study and recommend ways to improve property tax breaks for veterans and their surviving spouses in Massachusetts. The commission will review current tax rules and propose a system that links the amount of tax relief directly to disability ratings issued by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. The panel is composed of representatives from the legislature, state agencies, veteran organizations, and the public, ensuring diverse input on the issue. By December 1, 2024, the commission must submit its findings and suggestions to the state legislature for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add sex and gender as protected categories in Massachusetts criminal prosecutions. By amending state law, it would allow prosecutors to consider a victim's sex or gender when deciding whether to charge a crime. The change aims to ensure these characteristics are treated as significant factors in legal proceedings, similar to other protected classes like race or national origin.