Rep. Paul McMurtry

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to offer property tax relief to residents aged 75 and older. Under the new provision, local boards of assessors could grant abatement of up to 100 percent of the property tax owed by these seniors, provided they meet eligibility criteria set by the board. The legislation does not mandate that towns provide this relief but gives them the authority to do so if they choose. It applies only to real and personal property taxes and requires local acceptance before implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to include Veterans agents and part-time Veterans agents in the retirement benefits system currently available to employees of Cushing Hospital. By adding these specific roles to the list of eligible personnel, the legislation ensures that part-time and full-time Veterans agents can access the same retirement provisions as other hospital staff. The change directly affects the administrative and support personnel who serve as Veterans agents within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to include Boston school police officers in a specific retirement benefit category. By adding "Boston school police officers" to the legal definition of services with police powers, the legislation ensures these officers receive the same retirement treatment as other similar law enforcement personnel. The change directly affects the retirement eligibility and benefits of police officers working within the Boston public school system.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Hanson Milone Act, creates a dedicated Boater Safety Program Fund in Massachusetts to finance boater education, law enforcement training, and vessel safety enforcement. The fund will be financed by collecting fees from boater safety certifications, fines related to boating violations, and other designated revenues, with the Office of Law Enforcement responsible for managing and spending the money. A key provision requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, to complete an approved boater safety course and pass an exam before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in the state. The legislation also clarifies legal definitions for terms like "motorboat" and "commercial fishing vessel" to ensure consistent application of boating laws. Additionally, at least 25 percent of the annual fund revenue must be used for education programs, training, and grants to municipalities for safety activities.

By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2237) of Paul McMurtry relative to medical health and fitness facilities. Public Health.

May 2, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1142) of John C. Velis, Patrick M. O'Connor, Jack Patrick Lewis, Steven George Xiarhos and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1718) of Edward R. Philips, Jessica Ann Giannino and others for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals and establishing a task force to complete a systematic review of the laws pertaining to animal cruelty and protection, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2757).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new certification program for wellness centers in Massachusetts, designating them as "Medical Health and Fitness Facilities" if they meet specific safety and operational standards. To receive this certification, facilities must employ qualified medical staff, including a licensed physician and a fitness director, and implement rigorous protocols for hygiene, emergency response, and member health assessments. The legislation also mandates the installation of specific air purification technology and requires all staff to complete CPR and AED training. The Department of Public Health will be responsible for reviewing applications and issuing certificates that are valid for two years, ensuring facilities adhere to these new requirements.

By Representative Rogers of Norwood and Senator Rush, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3107) of John H. Rogers, Michael F. Rush and others for legislation to designate cookies and cream as the official ice cream flavor of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3245) of Carole A. Fiola, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 15-member legislative commission to study how service animals are used in Massachusetts and to investigate issues like fraud and misrepresentation. The commission will include representatives from law enforcement, disability advocacy groups, business owners, and animal training organizations to review current laws and compare practices in other states. Its findings, due by April 1, 2025, will offer recommendations on whether to update existing definitions, introduce penalties for misuse, or implement a certification system for service animals.