Sen. Cindy Friedman

Senate, November 10, 2025 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 195) of Joanne M. Comerford, Cindy F. Friedman, Mark C. Montigny, Adam Gomez and other members of the Senate for legislation to eliminate harmful chemicals from children's products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2660).

Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, removing the need for individuals to file petitions. For adults, misdemeanor records become eligible for automatic sealing 3 years after conviction (or 7 years for felonies), excluding sex offenses (which still require a request) and specific drug offenses. Correctional facilities must report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who must seal eligible records within 30 days. Juveniles' records are automatically sealed after a 3-year waiting period without requiring petitions, and agencies must provide notice about sealing at the time of conviction or adjudication.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 130) of Cindy F. Friedman, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to a livable wage for human services workers. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1118) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch and Julian Cyr for legislation to make it unlawful for a professional investor doing business in the commonwealth to make sexual harassment advances. The Judiciary.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 118) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation to lift kids out of deep poverty. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1400) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to authorize a pilot for the use of psychedelics in licensed treatment facilities. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1403) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, Adam Gómez and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to reducing administrative burden. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Lexington to issue ten additional licenses allowing businesses to sell wine and malt beverages (like beer) for on-premises consumption. It directly affects Lexington restaurants, bars, and other licensed establishments seeking to expand their beverage service. The key provision is the specific authorization for ten new licenses, with local approval already secured through the town's vote. The bill focuses solely on expanding local licensing authority without altering broader state alcohol regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1595) bans employment contracts from requiring employees to waive legal rights related to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, unpaid wages, or workplace safety violations. It makes such waivers void and unenforceable, prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who refuse these waivers, and allows employees to sue for damages if they face retaliation. Employers who enforce invalid waivers must pay damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies to contracts signed after its effective date and ensures courts - not arbitrators - decide if waiver clauses apply to protected claims.

Senate, June 26, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2543) (being the text of Senate, No. 2538, printed as amended).