Senate, June 27, 2024 -- The committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, to whom were referred ; the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2447) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Aaron L. Saunders, Jessica Ann Giannino, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect against attempts to ban, remove, or restrict library access to materials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2528) of Julian Cyr, Natalie M. Higgins, John Francis Moran, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to free expression;(accompanied by bill, House, No. 4005) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to encourage the improvement of free libraries and library systems; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4229) of John Francis Moran and others relative to the right of students to freedom of expression in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4235) of Aaron L. Saunders and others for legislation to further regulate access to certain library materials; report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2839).
An Order relative to authorizing the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to municipalities, pipelines, solar and other related matters.
This bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.
Senate, May 16, 2024 -- The committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1255) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to enhance patient education and informed consent before issuance of opioids; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1272) of Walter F. Timilty for legislation relative to non-opioid alternatives in pain treatment, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2786).
Report of the Department of Public Health (pursuant to Sections 5, 20 and 21 of Chapter 111 of the General Laws) relative to inspection of the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction, Greenfield
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Public Health to make an investigation and study of certain House documents relative to immunizations, dental health, health care workers and other related matters.
This bill establishes a mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth to manage discarded mattresses through environmentally sound practices. It requires mattress producers and retailers to pay a fee, known as a stewardship assessment, which funds a nonprofit organization responsible for collecting and recycling these items. The program mandates that basic collection services be offered to consumers at no cost, while the department of environmental protection oversees program plans and ensures recyclers meet specific performance standards.
This bill strengthens penalties and cleanup requirements for commercial vehicles that spill flammable materials like gasoline or oil on public roads. It increases the maximum fine for each spill violation to $20,000 and mandates that the responsible company or supplier purchase a surety bond to cover cleanup costs for spills exceeding 100 gallons. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Public Safety to conduct a study analyzing how driver payment methods, such as hourly wages versus per-load pay, impact the frequency and severity of these spills.
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to the Affordable Homes Act (House, No. 4726) (being the text of Senate, No. 2834, printed as amended)
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (2) (offered by Senator Tarr) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (5.1) (offered by Senator Cyr) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (301) (offered by Senator Miranda) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act
