Sen. Robyn Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public schools in Massachusetts provide free breakfast and lunch to every student attending the school. To help cover these costs, the legislation requires schools to maximize the use of federal funding programs and assigns the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the responsibility of paying for any remaining expenses not covered by federal reimbursements. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create regulations that help families access supplemental nutrition assistance programs by offering application support or referrals to relevant agencies. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill updates state laws to ensure equal legal rights for all children regardless of their parents' marital status, gender, or how the child was conceived. It removes outdated language referring to "children born out of wedlock" and establishes a clear policy that every child has the same protections under the law. The legislation defines parentage through various means, including birth, adoption, court orders, and assisted reproduction, while also updating terminology to be gender-neutral. A key provision prevents a presumed parent's legal status from being challenged after the child turns two unless specific conditions, such as lack of genetic connection or multiple presumed parents, are proven.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal requirement for the state to ensure fair and adequate funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates that the Board of Higher Education determine annual budget requests for these institutions and student financial aid, prioritizing resources for teaching, research, and student support services. Key provisions include directing additional funds toward vulnerable student populations, emphasizing full-time faculty employment with fair wages, and preventing the privatization of public campuses. The legislation also requires the state council to report annually on how these funds are distributed to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to explicitly include the title "governor's councillor" in official ballot descriptions. By adding this specific phrase to two existing sections of the state's election code, the legislation ensures that the role is clearly identified for voters. The change is purely textual and does not alter the duties of the office or the election process itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Northborough to officially change the name of its local governing body from the "board of selectmen" to the "select board." The legislation also updates the titles of the officials from "selectmen" to "select board members" and allows the town to revise its internal rules to reflect these new names. By overriding previous state laws, the act ensures that the town's executive branch operates under this new terminology while retaining all existing powers and responsibilities.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new, appointed position for Town Clerk in the town of Bolton, Massachusetts. Under the new rules, the select board will hire and fire the clerk for terms of up to three years, rather than following previous selection methods. The appointed clerk will perform the same official duties and follow the same legal rules as clerks in other towns. The law also ensures that any current clerk keeps their job until a new person is hired under these new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1726) amends state law to expand the Massachusetts tolling authority by explicitly authorizing the collection of tolls on specific interstate and state highways at the Massachusetts border. It adds 12 designated routes - including I-90, I-95, Route 3, Route 7, and others - where tolls may be charged for transit across state lines. The bill directly affects drivers using these border crossings, as it formalizes the state's existing ability to collect tolls on those routes. It does not change toll rates or create new fees, but rather clarifies the legal authority for current toll collection practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1718) requires mandatory psychiatric evaluations in hospital emergency rooms when a physician, psychologist, advanced practice nurse, or social worker authorizes a restraint for a patient. It directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises who are placed under restraint in emergency settings. The key provision mandates that the emergency room, not other facilities, must determine whether to seek a 3-day hospitalization at a public or department-approved private facility. This change aims to standardize emergency mental health assessments and hospitalization decisions.