Rep. Paul McMurtry

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to teach hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator use as part of the physical or health education curriculum for grades 9 through 12. To meet this requirement, school districts must choose a free training program based on a nationally recognized standard that includes hands-on practice for every student. Participation is mandatory for graduation, but students can be exempted if a doctor certifies that the training would be harmful to them or if a parent or guardian submits a written objection. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how people falsely claim to have service animals. The commission will consist of fifteen members, including officials from the state judiciary, police, disability offices, and advocacy groups for both service animals and other types of pets. Its primary task is to study the issue of misrepresentation and make recommendations on how to address it.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify definitions regarding service animals and establish a formal process for verifying their legitimate status. It creates a new section in the state's general laws to define terms like "service dog" and "service-dog-in-training" based on federal standards, while explicitly protecting business owners from misrepresentation. A key provision requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop and distribute a verification decal for businesses to display in their windows or doors. This decal will be created in collaboration with national service dog organizations, restaurant owner associations, and business owner associations to help identify legitimate service animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows teachers and other educators in Massachusetts to count their past work at private schools toward their public retirement benefits. To qualify, individuals must have at least ten years of membership in a public retirement system and must pay a specific fee, calculated as 10 percent of their salary for each year of private school service they wish to count. The law limits the amount of private school service that can be credited to a maximum of four years and prevents double-counting if someone already received credit for similar work under previous rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by making services more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for children and their families. It seeks to support child development and strengthen the state's economy by expanding access to these essential services. The legislation outlines specific goals to enhance the quality of care and reduce costs, though the provided text does not detail the exact funding mechanisms or implementation steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new drought management task force within the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to coordinate responses to water shortages. The task force will include representatives from various state agencies, professional organizations, and the public, and it must meet at least quarterly or monthly when a drought is declared. Its primary duties involve collecting data, making recommendations on drought levels and responses, and updating a statewide drought management plan every five years. Additionally, the bill grants the agency secretary the authority to order uniform water conservation measures, such as limiting nonessential outdoor water use, across specific drought-affected regions to protect public health and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Blue Communities Program to provide grants and loans to Massachusetts municipalities for reducing nutrient pollution and ocean acidification. The legislation defines key environmental terms such as eutrophication and ocean acidification to guide the program's scope. It also amends existing laws to clarify what constitutes agricultural sales and to formally define coastal waters and watersheds. Ultimately, the bill directs the executive office to create this initiative, potentially delegating specific tasks to environmental and marine agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to update state waste management plans to prioritize a circular economy, which aims to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible. It also requires the department to launch an education and outreach program that informs both the general public and local businesses about the concept of a circular economy and how they can participate in the transition. By amending existing state laws, the legislation establishes a formal framework for promoting sustainable resource management and workforce development in this sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the first Wednesday in May as Massachusetts State Parks Day. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the importance of the state's park lands and recreational facilities. The legislation aims to encourage the public to observe this day in a way that promotes and maintains the Commonwealth's parks system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Safe Drinking Water at School Act to mandate annual lead testing for all drinking water outlets in Massachusetts schools and child care centers. It requires facilities to use certified laboratories and specific testing methods to check for lead levels exceeding one part per billion, with a six-month deadline for those previously excluded from the state's assistance program. The legislation defines key terms such as "school" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clear compliance standards across public, charter, and non-public educational facilities. By updating Chapter 111 of the General Laws, the bill creates a uniform requirement for monitoring water safety to protect student health.