Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for anyone who assaults a corrections officer or Department of Corrections staff member while they are working, specifically when the attack causes serious bodily injury. Under the new provisions, offenders face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year in state prison or up to two and a half years in a house of correction, along with a fine between $500 and $10,000. The legislation also restricts post-conviction relief by prohibiting suspended sentences, probation, parole, work release, furloughs, and good conduct time deductions until the mandatory minimum term is served. These changes apply strictly to cases resulting in serious bodily injury, defined as permanent disfigurement, significant loss of function, or substantial risk of death.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to allow candidates to use campaign funds for child-care services required because of their political activities. It defines these services broadly to include care from individuals, non-profits, and for-profit organizations, while restricting payments to family members unless they operate a professional daycare or babysitting service. The legislation also permits candidates to claim expenses for child-care that would not otherwise exist but for their campaign. Finally, it requires the director of campaign and political finance to create specific regulations outlining these rules by December 31, 2023.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement to use specialized software to search state DNA databases for partial matches that indicate a biological relationship, such as a parent or sibling, to help solve cold cases. It also permits the use of partial DNA matches where a suspect is not the exact source of evidence but is related to the actual contributor. To prevent abuse, the law strictly prohibits creating unregulated secondary DNA databases and requires agencies to sign agreements limiting how these genetic records can be used and shared. The changes apply specifically to investigations of unsolved crimes and do not allow for the collection of DNA for medical or disease-related purposes.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Massachusetts State Police colonel to hire retired uniformed officers as special state police officers to assist with police duties. To qualify, applicants must have retired due to age within the last three years, hold an honorable discharge, be under 68 years old, and complete required training certification. These officers would serve as at-will employees for one-year terms that can be renewed at the colonel's discretion, without the protections or benefits of the civil service system. The legislation aims to provide the department with experienced personnel while maintaining full control over their appointment and removal.
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 modifies Massachusetts property tax laws to provide additional financial relief to disabled veterans and Gold Star families. It requires local assessors to calculate a new, proportionate tax exemption based on the percentage increase in property taxes these individuals would have paid without their existing exemptions. The mechanism ensures that if property taxes rise, the additional amount owed is offset by a corresponding increase in the tax exemption, and this calculation is performed annually.
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 requires the Massachusetts Commission of Veterans' Service to provide headstones for deceased members of the Massachusetts National Guard who served at least 10 years or died while performing their duties. The headstones provided under this act must be similar in style to those issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This change directly affects the state's responsibility for honoring long-serving or fallen National Guard members by ensuring they receive appropriate memorial markers.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to officially include licensed rehabilitation counselors as recognized mental health professionals. By adding this specific role to the legal definition of "licensed mental health professional," the legislation allows rehabilitation counselors to participate in various state-regulated programs that previously required other types of mental health experts. The changes directly affect rehabilitation counselors by expanding their eligibility to provide services in areas such as disability support and vocational rehabilitation, while also ensuring these services align with existing state standards. Ultimately, the bill aims to broaden consumer access to rehabilitation counseling by formally integrating these professionals into the broader mental health framework.