Sen. Lydia Edwards

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits the declawing of cats unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an infection, disease, or injury. It defines declawing as any surgery that removes part of a paw or cuts tendons to stop claw function, while explicitly allowing nail trimming and temporary nail caps. Veterinarians must perform these procedures only for therapeutic reasons, keep detailed records for four years, and submit annual reports to the state board. The law also ensures that these medical records remain private and are not made public.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. It requires the state department to investigate all related claims regardless of their current status and expands the definition of "earnings" to include unpaid wages owed by an employer. The legislation also mandates that employers post clear notices about workers' rights in multiple languages and provides for stricter penalties, including punitive damages, against those who retaliate against or discriminate against injured employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from using credit reports to screen job applicants or current employees, with the goal of preventing financial history from influencing hiring decisions. The law allows exceptions only for roles requiring national security clearance or when specifically mandated by federal or state regulations. Employers are also barred from asking candidates about their creditworthiness or retaliating against them for filing complaints related to this policy. These restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2025, and cannot be overridden by requiring employees to sign waivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts employment laws to provide specific protections for individuals experiencing or who have experienced abusive behavior. It directly affects employers and employees by defining "abusive behavior" to include domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, kidnapping, and various forms of psychological or emotional abuse such as isolation, financial control, and intimidation. The legislation expands the definition of who counts as a family member to include current and former partners, people with whom one shares a child, and those in guardianship relationships, ensuring these individuals are covered under existing workplace anti-discrimination and leave provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework to increase the number of personal care homes available for older adults in Massachusetts who need assistance with daily living but do not require full long-term care facility services. It establishes specific licensing requirements and definitions to ensure these homes provide safe, humane, and supportive environments for up to six non-related residents. The legislation authorizes the Department of Elder Affairs to issue two-year licenses to responsible sponsors and to create separate regulations that protect the health and wellbeing of residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new intensive case management program in Massachusetts to support older adults with complex medical or behavioral needs who are enrolled in or seeking state home care services. It defines "clinically complex" individuals as those facing serious mental illness, difficult family dynamics, or multiple health issues that make standard care insufficient. The legislation directs the state department to establish specific reimbursement rates that reflect the extra time and expertise required to help these individuals successfully access and remain in the home care program.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Massachusetts 401(k) CORE plan, a retirement savings program for small businesses with 20 or fewer employees. It removes the current employee count limit, allowing more small businesses to participate, and authorizes the state treasurer to seek private donations or grants to lower the plan's operating costs. These changes aim to expand access to retirement savings for smaller employers while reducing the financial burden on the program through external funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid leave policy in Massachusetts that allows employees to take up to 10 days of paid time off each calendar year for pregnancy loss or related fertility issues. The leave is intended for individuals experiencing miscarriage, failed assisted reproductive procedures, unsuccessful adoptions, failed surrogacy arrangements, or other fertility-related diagnoses, as well as for those caring for a spouse or domestic partner facing these circumstances. Employers must pay employees their regular rate of pay and maintain their benefits during this time, though the bill exempts companies that already offer sufficient leave under similar conditions. The legislation also requires the state labor department to track the percentage of claims made for this specific type of leave and prohibits employers from forcing employees to find replacements while on leave.

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)