Rep. Kathy LaNatra

Senate, August 8, 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2844) of Susan L. Moran (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Pembroke to issue one additional liquor license to South Shore Market and Deli; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4845) of Kathleen R. LaNatra (by vote of the town) that the town of Pembroke be authorized to issue one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises in said town, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2935).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and colleges in Massachusetts to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone and text number on all student identification cards. The law applies to students in grades 6 through 12 in public schools and to all students at public and private higher education institutions. Starting July 1, 2023, any new cards issued or replacements for lost or damaged cards must include this contact information, though existing unused cards from before that date may still be distributed. The measure aims to make mental health support resources more visible and accessible to students by integrating them directly into everyday identification items.

Maddy summaryThis law allows the town of Plymouth to issue two extra licenses for off-premises alcohol sales, such as takeout or delivery, within specific areas known as Precinct 9 and Precinct 17. These new licenses are intended to support local economic development and must be clearly marked with their corresponding precinct names. The town retains full control over granting these permits, including the ability to transfer them only within the designated zones and to cancel them if the business fails to meet tax or fee requirements. All new licenses must be issued within three years of the law taking effect, after which the town may continue to renew them for existing businesses.

By Representative Muratore of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mathew J. Muratore, Susan L. Moran and Kathleen R. LaNatra (by vote of the town) for legislation to establish a Plymouth land bank in the town of Plymouth. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Cahill of Lynn and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Daniel Cahill and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to further regulate insurance claims. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Pembroke to issue one extra alcohol retail license specifically for a location at 295 Old Oak Street. The new license operates under standard state alcohol laws but is exempt from the usual limit on the number of licenses the town can hold. Transfers of the license to different addresses are prohibited, though the town can issue it to a new applicant at the same address if certain tax and fee requirements are met. If the license is cancelled or no longer used, it must be returned to the town for potential reassignment.

By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kathleen R. LaNatra for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Mary Katherine Sheehan, an employee of the Trial Court. The Judiciary.

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2505) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to public employee retiree benefits. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private railroad companies and their contractors, as well as the state's rail and transit division, to provide earned sick leave to their employees. It mandates that these employers adhere to the same minimum standards for sick time already established in Massachusetts law for other workers. By extending these existing protections to the railroad industry, the legislation ensures that railroad workers have access to paid sick leave under the same rules as other private sector employees.