Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow the state Department of Energy Resources to fine gas distribution companies for specific, long-standing gas leaks known as "Grade 3 leaks." The legislation requires the department to create rules within a year that set fine amounts based on factors like the leak's age and volume, while also establishing a process for auditing company reports and accepting complaints from third parties. Any money collected from these fines must be used to fund projects that reduce community exposure to gas leaks, such as replacing damaged trees, auditing companies, or providing direct support to affected municipalities. The funds are to be distributed to local communities in proportion to the impact of the leaks occurring in their areas, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2024.
Rep. Paul McMurtry
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to create clear policies for granting credit for high school programs like College in the High School, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment. It mandates that these institutions specify how they award credit for general education, major, or elective requirements and must ensure these credits can be transferred to other schools. Additionally, the law requires colleges to publish their credit policies online and submit them to the state Department of Higher Education for public posting. A new annual review process is also established, where the Board of Higher Education will evaluate how each university applies these credit policies and report its findings to the state legislature.
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2620) of James J. O'Day and others relative to public higher education collective bargaining funding. Public Service.
By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2599) of Paul McMurtry relative to applications for public employee retirement system creditable service buy backs for veterans. Public Service.
By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2600) of Paul McMurtry relative to veteran judges' pensions. Public Service.
By Representative Donato of Medford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2509) of Paul J. Donato and Paul McMurtry for legislation to place certain employees in the Department of Fire Services in Group 4 of the contributory retirement system for public employees. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to require public schools and universities in Massachusetts to conduct energy assessments and implement efficiency improvements. It directly affects K-12 public schools, municipally-owned higher education institutions, and public institutions of higher education by mandating these environmental upgrades. The legislation aims to reduce the buildings' carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and improve indoor air quality to address climate risks and health issues like asthma. By requiring these assessments and improvements, the bill seeks to align school infrastructure with broader state climate goals while creating potential jobs in the retrofitting and solar energy sectors.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to adjust the retirement allowance calculations for state police officers. It changes the standard benefit to 60% of an officer's average annual pay from the year before retirement, with a cap of 75% and a bonus of 3% for every full month of service beyond twenty years before age fifty-five. Conversely, if an officer retires before completing twenty years of service after turning fifty-five, the benefit is reduced by 3% for each month short of that threshold. Additionally, the legislation grants a $15 annual supplement for each year of service to state police veterans, up to a maximum of $300.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to regulate retirement benefits for specific public safety employees, including police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers. It mandates that payroll officers withhold a set percentage of these employees' paychecks to fund their retirement plans, with contribution rates varying based on when the employee started their service. Additionally, the legislation requires actuaries to conduct a five-year review of contribution and benefit changes to assess the financial impact on these retirement systems. By modifying existing statutes, the bill aims to ensure consistent funding and oversight for the retirement benefits of these public servants.