Rep. Chris Hendricks

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2222) of Mark C. Montigny (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the city of New Bedford to enter into a long-term lease for the operation of a performing arts center. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3865) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of New Bedford be authorized to enter into a long-term lease for the operation of a performing arts center. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Ms. Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1345) of Christine P. Barber and others for legislation to require that employers provide sexual harassment prevention training to new employees and certify compliance of said training to the Attorney General. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1596) of Tackey Chan and others relative to collective bargaining dues. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2215) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mark C. Montigny and Christopher Hendricks for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Mark A. Paiva, an employee of the Department of Correction. Public Service.

By Mr. Schmid of Westport, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 872) of Paul A. Schmid, III and others for legislation to exempt veterans from Division of State Parks and Recreation fees. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

By Ms. Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 104) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to aid to parents with dependent children. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a law to clarify when charitable organizations (like nonprofits, trusts, or religious groups) can be held liable in lawsuits for harm caused during their activities. It removes the defense that an organization is a "charity" to avoid liability, but sets a $20,000 cap on damages if either: (1) the harm occurred during activities directly tied to their charity work and they get over 50% of income from donations, or (2) the organization was primarily established for religious purposes. The cap applies to the total liability, excluding interest and court costs. This directly affects charities sued for negligence or similar claims during their core operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum worker's compensation benefit for disfigurement injuries in Massachusetts. It replaces a fixed $15,000 cap with a new limit of 30 times the state's average weekly wage, calculated using a standard formula. It also removes a previous restriction that denied benefits for scar-based disfigurement unless it affected the face, neck, or hands. These changes directly affect workers who suffer visible disfigurement injuries covered under the state's worker's compensation system.