Rep. Paul McMurtry

Maddy summaryHD 2762 updates definitions and procedures for protecting people with disabilities in Massachusetts. It clarifies "abuse" to include specific acts like withholding adaptive aids or certain physical force (defined as "abuse per se"), and redefines key terms like "disabled person" (ages 18-59 with intellectual, developmental, or other disabling conditions requiring daily assistance). The bill also revises the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to have 3 appointed members (instead of more) and requires it to create a special investigative unit for abuse reports involving criminal conduct. Additionally, it strengthens privacy protections by limiting disclosure of personally identifiable information in investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the phrase "subject to appropriation" from Massachusetts law governing veteran shelter benefits. By eliminating this funding restriction, the law now ensures these benefits are fully funded without requiring annual budget approvals. This change directly affects veterans who receive shelter assistance under the program, making their benefits more secure and predictable. The amendment modifies Chapter 115, Section 5 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to help veterans prepare for municipal government jobs by reimbursing them for costs associated with civil service exams. It directly affects Massachusetts veterans seeking employment in local government positions. The commissioner will cover exam fees for up to three attempts per veteran, but no reimbursement will be provided if a veteran fails an exam. The program requires the commissioner to collaborate with veteran service organizations when developing the initiative.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1904) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to veterans service officers retirement benefits. Public Service.

Maddy summarySD 524 amends Massachusetts law to expand eligibility for veteran annuities to include surviving spouses already receiving Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill adds this group to the existing eligibility criteria, which currently covers surviving spouses of veterans who died in combat or insurrection. This change means qualifying surviving spouses will automatically qualify for state annuities without needing to meet separate state-specific requirements. The bill directly affects veterans' surviving spouses who are currently receiving federal DIC benefits.

Maddy summaryHD 650 clarifies how Massachusetts sets payment rates for home health agencies and homemaker/personal care services. It requires the executive office to establish and review these rates at least every two years, using costs from up to four years prior (adjusted for reasonableness and new costs), and including administrative expenses and a reasonable profit factor. The bill mandates that rate-setting consider specific cost factors like minimum wage changes, payroll taxes, health insurance, and employee benefits, using national or regional cost indices. Additionally, it requires detailed reports to legislative committees comparing adopted rates to the federal "Home Health Agency Market Basket" index, with simulations if that index isn't used. The bill directly affects home health providers and homemaker service agencies by changing how their reimbursement rates are calculated and justified.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill extends the deadline for the House Committee on Labor and Workforce Development to report on six specific House documents (2064, 2085, 2106, 2121, 2188, and 2189) from its original date to Wednesday, March 18, 2026. It bypasses standard House Rule 27, which typically sets reporting deadlines, through a Rules Committee action. The bill directly affects the committee by granting additional time to complete its review of these documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2627) requires Massachusetts 911 dispatch centers (PSAPs) and EMS agencies to improve response to cardiac arrest cases. It mandates that PSAPs review all cardiac arrest calls within 60 days, collect specific data (like time to CPR and defibrillation), and submit reports to the State 911 Department. The bill also creates an AED registry for public access, requires clear AED signage in buildings, and directs annual public reporting of cardiac arrest outcomes by PSAP and statewide. These changes directly affect 911 dispatch centers, EMS providers, and hospitals by establishing new quality assurance standards and data collection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill preserves the historical military status of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts (AHA) under state law. It formally recognizes the AHA as part of the Commonwealth's organized militia, retaining its unique privileges, name, distinctive uniforms, and internal governance structure. The law ensures the AHA continues serving as a ceremonial honor guard for the governor at state functions, as directed by the commander-in-chief. The bill makes these specific provisions permanent by amending Chapter 33 of the General Laws, directly affecting only this historic military company.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to adjust traffic signal timing at crosswalks to accommodate pedestrians who walk slower due to age, mobility aids, or transporting others. It mandates that towns create lists of high-traffic crosswalk locations where these pedestrians frequently cross, then extend walk clearance times to ensure safe crossing. The policy directly affects slower-walking pedestrians and local governments, which must implement these changes by January 1, 2027. The Department of Highways must issue implementing regulations by January 1, 2026.