Sen. Liz Miranda

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Commonwealth GREEN ZONES ACT, creates a process to identify and address environmental inequities in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by pollution and contamination. It requires the state environmental agency to conduct audits of "Environmental Justice Neighborhoods" (defined by low income, high minority populations, or limited English proficiency) and designate "Green Zones" within them for targeted improvements. Key mechanisms include forming resident advisory groups, publishing audit findings publicly, and requiring bi-annual reports to the legislature. The bill directly affects communities meeting specific demographic or economic criteria, with the state agency leading the identification and planning for environmental sustainability and resilience.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Massachusetts' HomeBASE program to improve housing stability for families facing eviction or housing transitions. It expands short-term housing benefits to eligible families (those with children under 21 or pregnant individuals) for up to 24 months initially, then 12-month renewals, with no income restrictions after enrollment. Key provisions include allowing applications after court eviction notices are filed, removing requirements to prove "no fault" eviction, and setting funding caps of $30,000 for the first period and $15,000 for renewals. Families can also combine these benefits with other housing assistance programs like residential assistance for families in transition, as long as the support is non-duplicative and needed for housing stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a registry for direct care workers who administer medication, requiring their employing agencies to report specific details to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Agencies must provide each worker’s name, ID, addresses, job title, certifications, and medication administration status, updating this information quarterly. EOHHS will maintain the registry, making only basic details (like name, ID, and training) publicly accessible while keeping sensitive information confidential unless requested by an agency or employee organization. The registry aims to improve oversight of medication administration, includes exemptions for victims of domestic violence or assault, and minimizes duplicate reporting for agencies.