Rep. Jeff Roy

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "construction" under Massachusetts prevailing wage laws to explicitly include offsite fabrication work. By amending Section 27D of Chapter 149, the legislation ensures that workers performing manufacturing tasks away from the main construction site are eligible for the same wage protections as those on traditional building projects. The change directly affects contractors and employees involved in prefabricated building components, requiring them to adhere to state wage standards regardless of where the work is physically completed. This update aims to close a potential loophole where offsite fabrication was previously excluded from prevailing wage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes a 10-year pilot program to create overdose prevention centers that allow trained staff to monitor individuals using pre-obtained drugs. These facilities aim to reduce the risk of disease transmission and prevent fatal overdoses by providing a safe environment for consumption. Eligible operators include private organizations and municipal departments, but they must first receive approval from their local board of health before applying for a license. The Department of Public Health is tasked with creating specific rules for these centers and must review applications and notify applicants of their decision within 45 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify the steps required for employees to recover unpaid wages after being fired. It introduces a "right to cure" provision that requires workers to send a written demand to their former employer before suing for unpaid pay or seeking extra damages. If the employer pays the owed amount within fifteen days of receiving that written notice, they are exempt from paying additional penalties or attorney fees, provided the debt was clearly due or the mistake was made in good faith. The law also allows courts to waive extra damages if an employer can prove they reasonably believed their actions were legal when they occurred. These changes primarily affect employers and employees involved in wage disputes under specific state labor laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health plans and pharmacy benefit managers in Massachusetts to provide patients and their doctors with real-time information about prescription drug costs and coverage upon request. The law mandates that this data, which includes current eligibility, clinically appropriate alternatives, and specific cost-sharing details, be delivered instantly in standard electronic formats rather than through proprietary portals or faxes. By ensuring immediate access to pricing and coverage data, the legislation aims to help individuals make informed decisions about their medication choices and manage out-of-pocket expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide financial awards to school districts when students earn industry-recognized certifications. Schools receive $1,000 for each student who obtains a credential in a high-demand occupation or one accepted by state colleges for academic credit, and $800 for certifications addressing local workforce needs. The law requires that at least 80% of these funds be used to support the specific program that led to the certification, such as paying instructor stipends or subsidizing fees for low-income students, rather than replacing existing operational budgets. Additionally, the department must offer separate development funds to help districts create training programs and hire instructors to prepare students for these credentials. The bill also mandates an annual report detailing how many students pursued and earned these certifications, including data on low-income and special education populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts education code to establish strict privacy protections for student and educator data collected by third-party technology providers. It defines specific categories of sensitive information, such as biometric data, search history, and medical records, that companies cannot use to identify individuals without explicit consent. The legislation requires operators of educational sites and applications to obtain clear permission before collecting or sharing personal data and mandates that any data shared with the state must be fully anonymized. By clarifying what constitutes private information and how it must be handled, the law aims to prevent unauthorized tracking and profiling of students and school staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a universal school meal program in Massachusetts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. It would require the state to allocate funding for these meals and mandate that every school district participate in the program. The legislation aims to ensure that every child attending a public school in the Commonwealth receives nutritious food at no cost to their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public buildings in Massachusetts that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled on or after January 1, 2026, to include at least one universal changing station. The law defines these stations as enclosed restroom facilities accessible to people of any sex and designed for individuals of any age who need help with diapering. It expands the definition of public accommodations to include public parks and rest stops, ensuring these spaces also comply with the new requirement. The Architectural Access Board is tasked with creating specific rules to enforce this mandate by January 1, 2024.