Bill > H5085

This bill aims to alleviate poverty by implementing several key provisions, including requiring temporary housing providers, primary and secondary schools, and correctional facilities to provide disposable menstrual products at no cost to menstruating individuals, increasing monthly benefit payment standards for certain programs to 50% of the federal poverty level, and providing financial assistance to pregnant individuals without dependent children. It also introduces a $1,000 monthly stipend for five years for individuals transitioning out of the state's custody between ages 18 and 23, establishes a "Baby Bonds" trust fund for children born after July 1, 2024, who are in transitional aid or foster care, to be used for education, housing, or entrepreneurship, and creates a matched-savings account program to help eligible households increase their economic mobility through savings goals like education, homeownership, or small business capitalization. Furthermore, the bill strengthens protections for workers by enhancing wage theft enforcement, including stop-work orders and civil actions, and establishes a new Office of Access and Opportunity to promote non-discrimination and equal opportunity within state government, alongside a comprehensive language access framework to ensure equal access to state services for limited English proficient and deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Finally, it expands automated record sealing for criminal and juvenile court appearances and dispositions, and creates a grant fund to support community-driven strategies for poverty reduction.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5085