This bill amends the town charter of Oxford to remove a residency requirement for the town manager. Previously, the town manager had to become a resident within eight months of being appointed, but this provision is now being eliminated. The change directly affects the town's hiring practices and allows the town manager to serve without needing to live in Oxford. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other parts of the charter.
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3033) of Michael F. Rush (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the grant of easements in or taking of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received.]
By Mr. Cronin and Ms.Scarsdale of Pepperell, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2942) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Cronin and Margaret R. Scarsdale for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Greg Pinkerton, an employee of the department of corrections. Public Service.
HD 5509 allows Salem police and fire reserve personnel who joined the city's retirement system by February 11, 2020, to count their reserve, permanent-intermittent, or call service toward retirement credits without paying for it. This change applies specifically to those employed by Salem's Police or Fire Departments who became members before the specified date. The bill modifies existing retirement rules to provide automatic credit for this service time, removing a prior requirement for payment. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill allows Colrain's fire department chief, Nicholas Anzuoni, to continue serving beyond the standard retirement age. It permits him to stay in his role until age 70, retirement, or if he loses physical/mental capacity (verified by a town-paid medical exam). The bill also prevents salary deductions after age 65 and guarantees retirement benefits as if he had retired at 65. It applies solely to Nicholas Anzuoni in Colrain, not to other fire departments or general rules.
This bill allows Kevin Worden Sr., Colrain's fire department deputy chief, to continue working until age 70 (or retirement, whichever comes first) if he remains physically and mentally capable, with medical checks at the town's expense. It also ensures he receives retirement pay based on age 65 eligibility if he retires after that age, without salary deductions for service beyond 65. The law applies solely to Kevin Worden Sr. and does not override standard employment rules for other town employees.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 734) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure access to medications. Financial Services.
This bill (SD 761) requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to maintain fair and accessible pharmacy networks for patients, directly affecting PBMs, health insurers, and community pharmacies. It prohibits "steering" (directing prescriptions to owned/affiliated pharmacies) and mandates that PBMs provide networks with convenient access to physical pharmacies near patients' homes, excluding mail-order options from adequacy calculations. Violating these rules triggers a 10% surcharge on the PBM's prior year's pharmacy reimbursements, payable to the state division. The law aims to prevent anti-competitive practices that limit patient choice and access to local pharmacies.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 831) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to ensure access to prescription medication and community pharmacies. Financial Services.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1534) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to protect the independence of clinical decision making. Public Health.
HD 801 increases the disability pension for Misael Rodriguez, a Springfield police officer permanently disabled during a work-related assault on November 5, 2020. The bill requires the Springfield retirement board to pay him an annual pension equal to what he would have earned as an active officer (non-taxable), cover related medical expenses, and return his accumulated retirement savings. It also establishes survivor benefits: his spouse receives 75% of his pension upon his death, and children under 18 (or up to age 22 for full-time students or those with disabilities) receive payments if both he and his spouse die before the children turn 18. These provisions directly affect Rodriguez and his family, overriding other laws to ensure these benefits are administered by the Springfield retirement board.
HD 5132 allows North Attleborough seniors meeting specific income and residency requirements to reduce their property tax bills. To qualify, residents must be 67+ (62 for joint applicants), own and occupy their home as their primary residence for at least 10 years, have household income below $90,000 (joint), and pass asset tests set by the town. Applications must be submitted annually by September 1, with a yearly cap of 500 exemptions. The program expires after 3 years but can be renewed by the town council.
