Sen. Lydia Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to specifically prohibit bullying against residents aged 55 or older and persons with disabilities living in subsidized multifamily housing communities. It establishes a clear definition of bullying that includes physical acts, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and mobbing by residents, employees, or visitors, covering both on-site and off-site interactions that impact the victim's living environment. The legislation requires covered residential communities to create and implement a bullying prevention and intervention plan to address these behaviors. Additionally, the bill expands protections to include retaliation against victims and defines specific types of harmful conduct such as group bullying and actions condoned by management.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to require Medicaid, known as MassHealth, to cover doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, including those with specific immigration statuses. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The legislation mandates that the state cover continuous labor support and at least six visits, including two postpartum visits, without needing prior approval. Additionally, the bill establishes a Doula Advisory Committee composed of practicing doulas and community members to oversee program implementation, set training standards, and ensure diverse recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent commission dedicated to improving educational outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native students in Massachusetts. The commission will consist of 17 members appointed by various state departments and the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, with a requirement to include diverse backgrounds and consult with tribal governments. Its primary duties include investigating how state agencies can better support these students, promoting heritage language instruction, and developing programs for suicide prevention and violence intervention. The commission operates as an independent agency, and its unpaid members serve two-year terms while receiving reimbursement for necessary expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers in Massachusetts to test their drinking water outlets annually for lead levels exceeding one part per billion. It mandates that testing be conducted by certified laboratories using specific methods and establishes a six-month deadline for facilities that have not previously participated in the state's assistance program. The legislation also defines key terms such as "certified point-of-use filter" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clarity in compliance. Additionally, the act gives the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to adjust testing frequency on a case-by-case basis when necessary for public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Massachusetts school districts expand access to full-day prekindergarten for children aged 2 to 5. To receive funding, districts must meet strict standards, including maintaining low student-to-instructor ratios, hiring qualified teachers with salaries comparable to K-12 staff, and providing inclusive, evidence-based instruction. The law also requires districts to develop detailed implementation plans overseen by a local council and submit regular progress reports, with the possibility of losing funds if they fail to meet these goals. Priority for grants will be given to districts that have previously received preschool funding or those with lower third-grade reading scores and higher rates of economic disadvantage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of who can be paid as a caregiver under MassHealth-funded home and community services to include legally liable family members such as parents, guardians, and adult children. Currently, these programs often restrict paid caregiving to unrelated professionals, but this legislation would allow eligible family members to receive compensation for their care work. To implement this change, the state's health and human services office must submit a formal plan amendment or waiver application to federal authorities. The measure aims to support families by enabling them to be formally recognized and financially compensated for providing care to their loved ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to actively reach out to incarcerated individuals and those recently released from state prisons to help them enroll in college. It requires financial aid staff at public universities to contact correctional facilities twice a year to identify eligible students and provide them with expedited enrollment assistance and financial support within thirty days of release. The legislation also mandates that correction officials share contact information for these individuals with universities and requires the Board of Higher Education to submit an annual report on the program's progress to state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to require that all cities and towns allow family child care homes to operate in private residences. By removing the ability of local municipalities to prohibit or regulate these facilities, the legislation aims to increase the availability of childcare options for families. The change directly affects local governments by restricting their zoning authority over in-home childcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to improve access to addiction treatment by clarifying how facilities are defined and managed. It requires the Department of Public Health to ensure enough treatment beds are available across the state and mandates that secure treatment facilities be distributed geographically to serve all regions. The legislation also allows individuals to be committed to correctional facilities for addiction treatment only if they are already there for a criminal case, while requiring monthly reports on these placements. Additionally, the bill ensures that jails and prisons must continue to offer voluntary, evidence-based addiction treatment to incarcerated individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide pilot program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction proceedings. It defines eligible individuals as renters or owners of small homes who are indigent based on specific income thresholds or public assistance status. The legislation designates non-profit organizations to offer full legal services, including advocacy and filing necessary documents, to help these individuals maintain their housing. By ensuring access to counsel in covered proceedings, the bill aims to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability during the ongoing housing emergency.