This bill officially renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility and updates related state laws to reflect this new name. It also changes the terminology used throughout the statutes, replacing older terms like "handicapped persons" with "persons with disabilities" and updating pronouns to be more inclusive. Additionally, the legislation removes the word "rehabilitation" from the agency's title and deletes a specific section regarding workshops. These changes aim to modernize the legal language surrounding disability services in the state.
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3732) of Christopher J. Worrell (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the police department of the city of Boston be authorized to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Wendy Pierre-Louis. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Fiola of Fall River and Senator Rodrigues, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carole A. Fiola and Michael J. Rodrigues that the boat ramp at Bicentennial Park in the city of Fall River be designated as the State Representative Manuel Raposa Jr. Boat Ramp. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4212) of Christopher J. Worrell (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Boston be authorized to appoint Terrance Joseph Williams a police officer in said city, notwithstanding the maximum age requirement. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4203) of James C. Arena-DeRosa (by vote of the town) relative to town elections in the town of Hopkinton. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4431) of Christopher J. Worrell (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Boston be authorized to appoint Nuias Daveiga a police officer in said city notwithstanding the maximum age requirement. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Senate, August 8, 2024 - New draft (Senator Crighton) to Senate Bill amending Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2018 and Sections 6-11 and 10-3 of the Lynn City Charter (Senate, No. 2783).
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill authorizing additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the city of Boston (House, No. 4696), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5039).
By Representative Whipps of Athol and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4687) of Susannah M. Whipps and Joanne M. Comerford (by vote of the town) that the town of Northfield be authorized to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III as fire chief of said town. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill improves long-term care in Massachusetts by creating a dedicated fund to support workforce training and capital improvements for skilled nursing facilities. The new fund will finance education and stipends for nurses' aides and home health workers, while also offering interest-free loans to help facilities build specialized care units like dementia or behavioral health wings. Additionally, the law clarifies definitions for assisted living services, specifying which medical tasks qualified staff can perform under a doctor's order. An advisory committee involving health officials and labor union representatives will oversee these programs to ensure they meet the needs of both workers and residents.
By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington and Senator Friedman, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Michelle L. Ciccolo, Cindy F. Friedman and Michael J. Barrett (by vote of the town) for legislation to reorganize the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc. in the town of Lexington. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Straus of Mattapoisett and Senator Montigny, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4159) of William M. Straus and Mark C. Montigny (by vote of the town) relative to providing for an alternate member of the finance committee in the town of Mattapoisett. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
