Sen. Robyn Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Northborough, Massachusetts, to remove a specific sentence from its governing document. The change directly affects the town's local administration by altering its official rules. The mechanism is straightforward: it deletes the fourth sentence of Section 4-1 in Article IV of the charter. This is a procedural update that modifies existing local laws without adding new powers or restrictions.

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)

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program in Massachusetts to provide comprehensive health coverage for children and young adults under 21 who are residents but currently ineligible for MassHealth solely due to their immigration status. The legislation ensures that these individuals receive the same benefits as other residents of similar age and income levels, regardless of whether federal funding is available to support the program. By adding a new section to the state's health laws, the bill directs the executive office of health and human services to maximize federal contributions while guaranteeing that coverage is not dependent on those funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs state building examiners to create rules allowing for gender-neutral restrooms in public and private buildings across Massachusetts. The new regulations would permit facilities that include multiple stalls separated by privacy walls or partitions, along with shared handwashing areas. These changes apply to all types of construction projects, including new builds, repairs, and renovations, regardless of the building's specific use category. By amending the state building code, the legislation aims to provide a standardized framework for installing inclusive bathroom options in existing and future structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires three types of facilities in Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products to people who menstruate. Specifically, it mandates that temporary housing providers, such as shelters and safe houses, supply these items without cost. Additionally, the law requires all primary and secondary schools to offer free menstrual products in restrooms, and it orders correctional facilities, including jails and prisons, to provide these products to incarcerated individuals. The legislation aims to ensure convenient and non-stigmatizing access to sanitary napkins, tampons, and liners in these specific settings.

Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 1381),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2481).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Massachusetts with 15 or more employees to disclose salary ranges for job postings and provide them to applicants and employees upon request. It defines a pay range as the compensation an employer reasonably expects to offer for a specific role and mandates that this information be shared during job advertisements, promotions, and transfers. The law prohibits retaliation against individuals who exercise their rights under this act and establishes penalties, including fines and potential legal action by the Attorney General, for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill directs the Attorney General to run a public awareness campaign to inform both employers and the public about these new transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private and nonprofit employers in Massachusetts with at least 100 full-time employees to submit detailed wage and demographic data to the state. Covered entities, which also include the governor and mayors with large workforces, must provide this information annually by the EEO-1 or EEO-4 reporting deadlines. The state will then compile and publish these aggregate wage reports on its website starting in 2024, broken down by specific industries such as healthcare, construction, and retail. The legislation aims to increase pay transparency by making industry-wide wage data publicly available for comparison.

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James J. O'Day and Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Paul Verdini, an employee of the Department of Correction. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to allow people experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth to obtain Massachusetts identification cards without paying fees. To apply, these individuals can use documentation from homeless service providers or health and human services agencies as proof of residency instead of standard documents. The legislation defines "homeless" and "unaccompanied homeless youth" using existing federal standards to determine eligibility. By removing financial and documentation barriers, the bill aims to help this population access essential services that require valid identification.