Rep. Paul McMurtry

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Massachusetts school districts develop and test new ways of assessing student learning that do not rely on standardized tests. For three years following the law's effective date, the state will not require students to pass specific standardized exams to graduate, nor will test scores be used to evaluate teachers or hold schools accountable. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must establish local task forces in up to 25% of districts to design these alternative assessment models, ensuring that economically disadvantaged districts and those with many English language learners are included if demand is high. Additionally, the bill mandates an audit of the state education department to review its contracts with testing companies and to provide guidance on future agreements with local nonprofits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide mattress recycling program in Massachusetts, requiring mattress producers to manage the collection and environmentally sound disposal of discarded mattresses. Under the proposed system, a fee known as a stewardship assessment would be added to the retail price of mattresses to fund the program, ensuring free and accessible collection opportunities for residents across both urban and rural areas. The legislation defines specific terms such as "mattress" and "consumer" to clarify which items are covered and outlines requirements for record-keeping, performance audits, and worker safety for those involved in the recycling process.

By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2250) of Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to improve outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest by providing additional safeguards and resources. Public Health.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2281) of Andres X. Vargas and others relative to the development and posting of guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students about the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease. Public Health.

By Representatives Kane of Shrewsbury and Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2203) of Hannah Kane, Carole A. Fiola and others relative to informed consent for concurrent surgical procedures. Public Health.

By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Hannah Kane and others relative to date labels on food packaging of products. Public Health.

By Representative McKenna of Webster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2236) of Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders) in infants. Public Health.

By Representative Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2174) of Sean Garballey and others relative to liability protection for disaster volunteers. Public Health.

By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2201) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Hannah Kane and others relative to authorizing the Department of Public Health to provide guidance to businesses regarding best practices for food donation. Public Health.