By Mrs. Dooner and Mr.Howitt of Seekonk, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3044) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Steven S. Howitt and Adam J. Scanlon for legislation relative to retirement benefits for Alec Ciminello. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of North Attleborough to update terminology and adjust the composition of local governing bodies. It changes the name of the "Park Commission" to the "Parks and Recreation Commission" and increases the number of members on this commission from three to five. Additionally, the legislation updates several section references within the charter and clarifies election rules by requiring write-in candidates to receive a minimum number of votes equal to the signature threshold needed for ballot access.
Maddy summarySD 1113 provides paid family and medical leave for all educators employed by Massachusetts school districts or education collaboratives. The bill specifically defines these educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for leave purposes. School districts will fund their required contributions to the leave program using existing income surtax revenue (from Chapter 62), not from general operating budgets. This ensures educators can take paid leave for family or medical needs without impacting their employment benefits or health insurance coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear guidelines for school library materials in Massachusetts. It requires school staff to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness - not personal views - and sets a formal process for challenging removals: a public hearing must occur before a school committee can remove materials, only if they lack educational value or are inappropriate for students. Schools must create and post written policies following American Library Association standards, and staff cannot face disciplinary action for selections made in good faith. The bill directly affects school libraries, staff, students, and parents involved in material challenges.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing system for private businesses that provide home care services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and housekeeping, to help ensure these providers are responsible and suitable. To obtain a license, agencies must meet specific requirements that include conducting thorough background checks on all workers, verifying driving records for those who transport clients, and maintaining clear contracts that detail service costs and plans. The law also mandates that agencies carry workers' compensation and liability insurance, follow labor laws regarding payroll, and provide ongoing training for their staff. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with issuing licenses, enforcing rules, and conducting investigations to monitor compliance, while also ensuring these new requirements do not duplicate existing oversight for other types of long-term care providers.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carole A. Fiola relative to firefighter staffing. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the governor to limit civil immigration enforcement activities within nonpublic areas of state-owned buildings and properties, unless required by federal law or specific state programs. It requires the creation of multilingual guidelines for state agencies, private organizations, and schools on how to verify the authority of immigration officers and handle related interactions. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to file civil lawsuits against any law enforcement officer who violates specific federal statutes regarding immigration enforcement.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon relative to the use of virtual credit cards by dental insurance providers. Financial Services.
Senate, June 18, 2016 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to primary care for you (Senate, No. 3141) (being the text of Senate, No. 3116, printed as amended)
Maddy summaryHD 2333 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to amend regulations governing temporary nursing agencies working at skilled nursing facilities. The bill targets owners with 5%+ ownership in both a temporary nursing agency and a licensed skilled nursing facility, prohibiting them from using their agency at their own facility. It mandates additional reporting from these owners and broadly defines "family member" to include spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and extended relatives. The regulations must be finalized within 180 days of the bill's passage, with the department required to consult senior care associations and 1199 SEIU during the process. This directly affects facility owners and agency operators with overlapping business interests.
