Rep. Brian Murray

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to adjust how school districts calculate funding for special education students who move during the school year. Currently, districts lose budget support if a student transfers after April 1, but this change extends the deadline to March 1 to help districts retain funding for the remainder of the academic year. The update directly affects school districts in Massachusetts that serve students with special needs who relocate mid-year. By shifting the cutoff date, the legislation aims to provide more financial stability for districts managing these transitions.

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2215) of Kay Khan and others relative to protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove the term "children born out of wedlock" and replace it with "nonmarital children and parentage of children," aiming to ensure all children receive equal legal rights regardless of their parents' marital status. It establishes a public policy that every child must have the same protections under the law, irrespective of the parents' gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By updating the title of Chapter 209C and adding a new section, the legislation seeks to eliminate legal distinctions based on how a child was conceived or the family structure of their parents.

By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3532) of Adam Scanlon, Shirley B. Arriaga and others relative to emergency medical technician certification of veterans and military medics. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3498) of Carole A. Fiola, Hannah Kane and others for legislation relative to recognition of the "Honor and Remember" flag in the Commonwealth. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement to use specialized software to search state DNA databases for partial matches that indicate a biological relationship, such as a parent or sibling, to help solve cold cases. It also permits the use of partial DNA matches where a suspect is not the exact source of evidence but is related to the actual contributor. To prevent abuse, the law strictly prohibits creating unregulated secondary DNA databases and requires agencies to sign agreements limiting how these genetic records can be used and shared. The changes apply specifically to investigations of unsolved crimes and do not allow for the collection of DNA for medical or disease-related purposes.

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2338) of James K. Hawkins, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., and others relative to benefits for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new commercial buildings in Massachusetts to install physical barriers, such as bollards or planters, that separate parking areas from sidewalks and building entrances to prevent vehicles from hitting pedestrians or structures. It specifically applies to commercial developments costing over $1 million and mandates that these safety features be strong enough to stop a car from breaching the pedestrian zone while still allowing for necessary building access. The legislation also creates a new 15-member advisory group to study best practices for pedestrian safety and develop recommendations for future rules on installing these protective measures. Additionally, the bill allows for waivers in unique circumstances if developers can prove that standard barriers would be unreasonable, provided they submit alternative safety plans for review.

By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2317) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to the establishment of the PFAS research and development public safety fund to be administered by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Public Safety and Homeland Security.