Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to require new single-family and two-family homes to be equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems. If a municipality chooses to adopt this rule, it would apply to any new residential building with a permit issued one year after the town accepts the law, but it does not mandate sprinklers for existing homes. The local fire department head would be responsible for enforcing these requirements, and property owners could appeal decisions regarding the installation to a local board of appeals. Additionally, the bill clarifies that seasonal shut-offs of these sprinkler systems, when approved by the state fire prevention board, will not be considered a violation of fire safety codes.
Rep. Brian Murray
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to update the names of various health and insurance agencies, such as changing the "commissioner of insurance" to the "commissioner of health insurance." It also reorganizes certain divisions within the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to better reflect their specific roles in health and insurance oversight. Additionally, the legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "health equity," "private equity company," and "significant equity investor" to clarify how these concepts apply to healthcare providers. By adding these definitions and updating agency titles, the bill aims to improve the clarity and accuracy of the state's market review and regulatory framework.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts workers' compensation laws to adjust how disfigurement benefits are calculated for scarring. It specifically changes the definition of affected body parts by removing references to the hands and replacing them with a broader scope that includes areas distal to the elbows and knees. The change directly impacts workers who sustain scarring injuries on their arms or legs, ensuring their potential benefits align with the new anatomical definitions. By amending Section 36 of Chapter 152, the legislation updates the legal criteria used by the state to assess compensation for visible scarring in workplace injury cases.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow veterans' organizations in Massachusetts to operate up to five slot machines on their premises for members and invited guests. It creates a new "limited slot machine license" issued by the Gaming Commission, which is valid for five years and cannot be transferred to another entity. The legislation defines eligible applicants as organizations incorporated by the U.S. Congress and sets a maximum application or renewal fee of $500, with funds going to the state's Gaming Revenue Fund. Under this plan, the Commission would be responsible for registering, inspecting, and testing the machines to ensure compliance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts worker compensation laws to streamline claims for healthcare and emergency response workers who contract COVID-19. It establishes that if an employee in these fields tests positive for the virus, it is automatically assumed they were injured on the job while performing their regular duties. The provision specifically covers medical staff, nursing home workers, home care assistants, and emergency personnel such as paramedics and EMTs. By creating this presumption of work-related injury, the legislation simplifies the process for these workers to receive benefits without needing to prove exactly how they contracted the virus.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the calculation for weekly disability benefits provided to workers in Massachusetts who are unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness. The legislation increases the percentage of an injured worker's average weekly wage used to determine their benefit amount, raising it from 66% to 66.67% for certain cases and from two-thirds to 70% for others. Additionally, the bill adjusts the maximum dollar caps on these weekly payments, increasing the limits from $260 to $520 and from $520 to $780 to reflect higher wage thresholds. These changes directly affect injured employees and the state's workers' compensation system by altering the financial support available during periods of disability.
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2291) of Christine P. Barber, Michael J. Moran and others relative to the availability of adaptable housing for consumers with disabilities, mobility impairments and seniors. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to creating a municipal and public safety building authority. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to reorganize the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by renaming the commissioner of insurance to the commissioner of health insurance and shifting certain health-related divisions to the new Division of Health Insurance. It also updates the structure of the Health Policy Commission by adding new definitions for key terms such as health equity, health disparities, and significant equity investors to support market reviews. Additionally, the legislation establishes a specific three-year benchmark cycle for monitoring projected changes in total healthcare expenditures across the commonwealth. These changes aim to clarify the roles of various agencies and provide clearer definitions for analyzing healthcare costs and market structures.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special Protein Innovation Commission to study the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meats, within Massachusetts. The commission will investigate how the state can support this growing industry by analyzing its economic and job creation benefits, environmental impacts like reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and contributions to food security and public health. The 13-member panel will include legislators, government officials, and experts appointed by the governor, with the ultimate goal of developing a master plan of recommendations to foster the industry's expansion.