Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to direct specific fines and assessments from DUI-related cases into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. It increases the fine for a first-time DUI offense by $50 and raises the assessment fee for convicted or pleaded-guilty individuals from $50 to $100. Additionally, the legislation requires that 75 percent of fines collected in various DUI scenarios be deposited into the trust fund, while the entire $100 assessment fee goes directly to the fund. These changes primarily affect individuals charged with driving under the influence and the state judicial system responsible for collecting those penalties. The funds collected are intended to support services for victims of head injuries.
Sen. Ryan Fattman
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill promotes economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs in Massachusetts by amending state laws to exempt home-based food producers from most permitting, licensing, and inspection requirements. It specifically allows individuals to sell non-perishable items like baked goods and jams directly to consumers at farmers markets, roadside stands, or online without needing a commercial kitchen license. While the bill removes local health board rules for these operations, it maintains the right of health officials to investigate foodborne illnesses and requires sellers to provide clear labels or disclosures about the product's origin and potential allergens. Additionally, the legislation establishes a voluntary registry where operators can obtain a personal identification number for labels and sets a maximum registration fee of $25.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows medical cannabis patients from other U.S. states to access medical marijuana in Massachusetts. To qualify, a visitor must hold a valid medical certification from their home state and present photographic identification or a driver's license from that jurisdiction. The legislation grants these visitors the same rights and protections as local patients, with the specific exception that they cannot use the state's medical marijuana registry.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a formal partnership between the state government and private corporations to voluntarily combat human trafficking. Participating businesses must adopt zero-tolerance policies, educate their employees, and share information on effective prevention strategies. The legislation also mandates specialized training for law enforcement, judges, and K-12 educators to better identify and support victims. These measures aim to improve coordination among agencies and increase awareness within the community without restricting existing laws or programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts military veterans who missed the standard deadline to buy back their pension service time to apply for a one-time extension. Under current rules, members must purchase this service within 180 days, but this legislation gives eligible veterans an additional year to complete the purchase after the act takes effect. Retirement boards are required to notify all active members about this potential eligibility within 90 days of the law's implementation. The change specifically applies to those who are currently serving and have veteran status but failed to make the purchase in the original timeframe.
May 2, 2024 -- The committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 484) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to promote economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 553) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Lydia Edwards, Brian W. Murray, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote economic opportunities for cottage food entrepreneurs; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 758) of Nicholas A. Boldyga relative to the regulation and availability of cottage foods, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2761).
March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 271) of Ryan C. Fattman and Joseph D. McKenna for legislation relative to carbon monoxide detectors in schools; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 322) of Patrick M. O'Connor that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to study minimum and maximum allowable air temperatures in public school classrooms and facilities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2660).
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to allow schools to excuse student absences for mental or behavioral health reasons in the same way they do for physical health issues. It requires that documentation rules and requirements be consistent between mental and physical health absences, while also permitting schools to accept notes from licensed mental health professionals. Additionally, the legislation mandates that students returning from such absences be offered, but not required to attend, a meeting with a certified school counselor. The primary impact is on school administrators, educators, and families who need to manage attendance policies related to a student's psychological well-being.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Building Authority, an independent public agency designed to oversee the planning, construction, and management of public safety facilities across the state. The authority will be led by the state treasurer as chairperson and include the secretaries of administration and finance and public safety, along with six additional members appointed to represent expertise in construction, law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services. These appointed members serve unpaid two-year terms and work together to coordinate public safety infrastructure projects while adhering to standard state laws regarding public funds and administrative operations. The new body reports annually to the governor and legislature to help align fiscal policies with public safety needs.