Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5120) of Brandy Fluker Oakley (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the appointment of Pierre Charles Darius as a police officer in the city of Boston, notwithstanding the maximum age requirement. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, November 20, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 219) of Walter F. Timilty, William J. Driscoll, Jr. and Brandy Fluker Oakley (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Milton to issue a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2518).

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age limit for hiring Max Handerson as a police officer. It allows Handerson to be considered for the position if he meets all other standard requirements set by the department. The legislation specifically overrides previous state laws regarding age limits for this individual case.

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.

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2793) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief in the city of Boston. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill authorizing additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the city of Boston (House, No. 4696), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5039).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts traffic laws to clarify that small items hanging from a vehicle's rearview mirror do not automatically violate obstruction rules. The change directly affects drivers who use rearview mirrors to hold small objects, such as air fresheners or sunglasses, without fear of a citation. By adding a specific exemption, the legislation removes the ambiguity that previously allowed officers to issue tickets for these common accessories. The text explicitly states that the presence of one or more small items in this location does not constitute a violation on its own.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to choose whether to implement rent control and eviction protections for residents in their communities. If a municipality opts in, it must pass local rules that cap how much landlords can raise rents each year and ensure evictions only happen for specific, justified reasons like non-payment or lease violations. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, properties already regulated by other agencies, college dorms, and elderly care facilities. Local governments would have the option to adopt these measures through various methods, including ordinances or binding votes by their residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to create a new program that provides grants for expanding mental health services to pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines key terms such as "perinatal" to cover the time from pregnancy through one year after birth and establishes specific criteria for identifying areas with inadequate access to care. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to fund projects aimed at growing and diversifying the workforce of mental health providers who specialize in perinatal care. By creating these definitions and funding mechanisms, the bill seeks to improve access to mental health support for new parents and those involved in the care of infants.