Rep. Chris Worrell

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age limit for hiring police officers specifically for an individual named Jorge Enriquez. Under the legislation, Enriquez would be eligible for appointment as a police officer if he satisfies all other standard requirements set by the department. The law overrides existing state and city regulations that typically cap the age for original appointment to the force. It takes effect immediately upon passage and applies only to this specific candidate rather than changing general hiring rules for future applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Boston Inspector General Oversight Commission, a five-member body appointed by the Governor with staggered 1-5 year terms. The Commission appoints an Inspector General (IG) for five-year terms (max two terms) who investigates city finances, operations, and potential fraud, waste, or mismanagement. The IG must obtain a national certification within one year, publish annual reports by March 1st, and can issue subpoenas. The Commission also sets the IG's salary, reviews its performance biennially, and ensures oversight remains nonpartisan during service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state law requiring employers in Massachusetts to provide bereavement leave to employees whose immediate family members pass away. It defines eligible family members as those living with the employee, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings, and allows for up to 10 business days of leave within a 12-month period for funeral arrangements, attendance, or grieving. While the law mandates the time off, it explicitly leaves the decision to pay for that leave entirely up to the individual employer's policy. Additionally, the provision applies only to businesses with 10 or more employees and requires that the leave request be made within 30 days of the death.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in Massachusetts to include a specific unit of instruction on Black History as part of their curriculum. It mandates that higher education institutions, including community colleges and universities, offer a dedicated course covering the same topics. The required content must address the history of the African slave trade, slavery in America, its lasting effects, and the contributions of African Americans to society, alongside a commitment to respect and non-discrimination. While the state Department of Education may provide instructional guidelines, individual schools and colleges retain the authority to determine the minimum time required to complete these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Secretary of Equity within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to oversee efforts aimed at reducing health disparities. It defines "health equity" and "priority populations" as groups disproportionately affected by these disparities and requires the state health commissioner to include a chief health equity officer in their leadership team. The legislation also mandates that the health commissioner appoint at least one board member with specific professional experience related to health equity who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. Additionally, the bill requires the state health commissioner to integrate health equity principles into all their official duties and powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston to train students for commercial driver's licenses specifically for transit driving. The program will offer both classroom instruction and off-site training sessions to prepare participants for this career path. By adding a new section to Chapter 74 of the state laws, the legislation establishes this specific initiative within the school district.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to allow college student-athletes to earn money from the use of their name, image, and likeness without losing their athletic scholarships. It prohibits schools and athletic organizations, including the NCAA, from stopping athletes from getting paid for commercial deals or from hiring professional agents and lawyers to help negotiate those contracts. The legislation also requires athletes to disclose such agreements to their schools and sets specific rules on what types of compensation are allowed or forbidden to ensure compliance with national athletic regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new regulatory framework for recovery housing, commonly known as sober homes, in Massachusetts by repealing an older accreditation section and creating a new one. It requires all operators of alcohol and drug-free residences to apply for a "determination of need permit" from the state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, which will conduct surveys to assess regional capacity and zoning restrictions. A key provision prohibits the issuance of permits for new recovery housing in designated "impacted communities," defined by specific criteria such as low income, high minority populations, or limited English proficiency. Additionally, the law allows operators to bypass local zoning laws that might otherwise restrict the operation of these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change the role of student representatives on school advisory committees from non-voting to voting members. It also establishes that these students will receive a scholarship upon completing at least one year of service, with the option for partial scholarships or stipends if they do not finish the full term. The changes directly affect students serving on these committees and the school districts that employ them. By granting voting power and financial recognition, the legislation aims to increase student influence in local educational decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "right of first refusal" for specific nonprofit organizations when a multi-unit apartment building is being foreclosed upon. It requires lenders or banks selling a foreclosed property at auction to first offer the building to designated local community development corporations and other eligible nonprofit groups. These eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to preserving or creating affordable housing and have the experience to manage such properties. If one of these groups accepts the offer, the property must be sold to them under terms that ensure it remains affordable for at least 30 years. The law applies to buildings with six or more rental units, excluding hotels, hospitals, and other specific types of facilities.