Rep. Ryan Hamilton

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow veterans' organizations in Massachusetts to operate up to five slot machines on their premises for members and invited guests. It creates a new "limited slot machine license" issued by the Gaming Commission, which is valid for five years and cannot be transferred to another entity. The legislation defines eligible applicants as organizations incorporated by the U.S. Congress and sets a maximum application or renewal fee of $500, with funds going to the state's Gaming Revenue Fund. Under this plan, the Commission would be responsible for registering, inspecting, and testing the machines to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SAVE Students Act, creates a statewide anonymous reporting system for students, staff, and the public to report unsafe or violent activities in Massachusetts schools. The Department of Public Health will establish and manage this program, which must be accessible 24/7 through a mobile app, website, and toll-free phone line, and include a staffed crisis center offering multilingual support. The law requires that the system protect the identity of reporters while allowing them to voluntarily share their information if they choose, and mandates that regulations be developed to ensure the program does not lead to unfair disciplinary actions against students from protected groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utility companies in Massachusetts to offer customers the choice of keeping traditional electromechanical analog meters or installing new smart wireless meters. It mandates that utilities obtain written consent from ratepayers before installing wireless meters or changing their functionality and prohibits companies from shutting off service or charging extra fees if a customer chooses to keep an analog meter. Additionally, the law forbids utilities from discriminating against customers who have medical conditions potentially aggravated by radio frequency exposure and bans the installation of wireless technology near homes where residents have requested non-transmitting meters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of offering subsidized public transportation passes to employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The study will examine various aspects of such a program, including costs, tax implications, partnerships with transit authorities, and funding sources. The commission, led by a governor appointee and including representatives from transportation and human resources agencies, must begin its work within two months and submit a final report to state officials within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to grant voting rights to student representatives on local school committees. It requires each city, town, and regional school district to elect two student representatives from their secondary schools who can vote on all committee matters. The legislation also establishes a student advisory committee to support these representatives and help students access resources. While student representatives retain the right to attend executive sessions only if the specific committee grants it, they must follow all existing school committee rules and serve without pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to electrify the Haverhill line of the commuter rail system by December 31, 2030. The primary change adds a specific deadline to the existing state laws governing the MBTA, ensuring the project is completed within that timeframe. This legislation directly affects the Haverhill commuter rail line and the agency responsible for its operations and maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public school district in Massachusetts to hire at least one full-time school psychologist and one full-time school social worker to support the mental health needs of K-12 students. The legislation outlines specific duties for these professionals, including conducting mental health assessments, providing therapy and crisis intervention, training school staff on behavioral strategies, and acting as a bridge between families, schools, and community resources. By amending state law, the measure mandates that these services be integrated into the daily operations of public schools to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all sporting facilities and stadiums in Massachusetts to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) available during athletic events. It mandates that staffed venues maintain an employee or volunteer with current CPR and AED certification during business hours and requires clear signage showing the location of medical devices at every entryway. The legislation also establishes a state registry for AEDs, mandates inspections before new facilities open, and provides liability protection for individuals who act in good faith to render emergency care. Non-compliant facilities face a daily fine of at least $2,500 until they meet the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. The measure seeks to restore the ability of the government to regulate campaign spending by corporations and other groups, arguing that current rules allow unlimited influence that threatens fair elections. If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, the amendment would give lawmakers the power to limit how much money can be spent in political campaigns. Currently, the bill only serves as a formal request to Congress and does not change any laws directly.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for loan repayment programs designed to attract behavioral health professionals to work in underserved areas. Specifically, it allows these professionals to qualify for repayment if they work at acute care hospitals that received special Medicaid funding in 2022, in addition to existing psychiatric and general hospitals. The change aims to broaden the range of facilities where clinicians can serve while still receiving financial assistance for their education. By updating the list of qualifying employers, the legislation seeks to increase the availability of mental health and substance use services in communities that need them most.