Rep. Adam Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns that already have inclusionary zoning laws to create a special housing preference for qualified veterans. Under the new provision, municipalities could reserve up to 10% of their low or moderate income housing inventory for veterans before these units are offered to the general public through a lottery. The law does not increase the total number of affordable housing units required by existing rules and applies only to private developments within communities that have previously adopted inclusionary zoning ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the legal definition of livestock in Massachusetts to explicitly exclude dogs and cats from the category of animals considered livestock. By modifying the state's General Laws, the legislation clarifies that the term "livestock" applies to horses and other domesticated animals raised for food or commercial purposes, but not to companion animals like dogs and cats. This change directly affects agricultural regulations, zoning laws, and insurance policies that rely on the legal distinction between livestock and other animals. The bill aims to provide clearer guidance for farmers, businesses, and government agencies regarding which animals fall under specific agricultural definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal presumption that certain medical conditions or work-related absences for frontline healthcare workers are caused by occupational exposure to COVID-19. It specifically protects workers who were infected or required quarantine by June 15, 2021, by allowing them to take time off without using accrued sick leave, vacation, or personal time. The legislation mandates that employers must allow these workers to return to their previous positions once their quarantine or recovery period ends, provided the employer followed relevant safety guidelines like providing personal protective equipment. Additionally, the bill considers healthcare workers eligible for unemployment benefits if they choose not to return to work due to a good-faith concern about exposure.

Senate, February 12, 2024 --The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 244) of Joanne M. Comerford and Susannah M. Whipps for legislation to fairly reimburse local school transportation of foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of Patrick M. O'Connor and David F. DeCoste for legislation to prove opportunity for youth with substance abuse needs; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Vanna Howard, Jason M. Lewis and others for legislation relative to student transportation, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2590).

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts student transportation laws to give parents the option to opt out of school bus services for their children each year. It requires school districts and regional districts to inform families of this choice at least 30 days before the school year begins, ensuring that if a parent declines, the district is not required to provide transport for that student. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must create and maintain a registry of all companies that provide school transportation services. The legislation also mandates a study to explore how school districts could form collaborative groups to improve transportation efficiency, with results due by July 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the state reimbursement rate for special education circuit breakers from 75% to 90%. The change directly affects school districts in Massachusetts that provide financial assistance to families with children who have special education needs. By amending a specific section of the state's education laws, the legislation would allow districts to cover a larger portion of the costs associated with these assistance programs. This adjustment aims to provide greater financial support to eligible families while reducing the funding gap for local school budgets.

Maddy summaryAidan's Law amends Massachusetts education law to require public and charter school committees to meet with a student advisory committee at least once every other month during the school year. This advisory group must consist of five students elected by their respective high school or charter school student body. The committee will elect a chairperson annually who serves as a nonvoting member of the school committee or board of trustees, ensuring student voices are included in governance without having voting power. Additionally, the law allows school districts to appoint a student outreach coordinator to help establish the committee and keep students informed about upcoming meetings.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the state reimbursement rate for special education transportation costs in Massachusetts from 75% to 90%. It directly affects school districts and families by changing how much the state covers for transporting students with disabilities to and from school. The key mechanism involves amending Section 5A of Chapter 71B in the General Laws to explicitly mandate the 90% reimbursement rate. This change would result in districts receiving more state funding for these specific transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state grant program to help schools and childcare centers in Massachusetts buy local food and improve student nutrition. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will manage the program, which provides funding for kitchen equipment, staff training on cooking with local ingredients, and educational projects like school gardens. To receive money, applicants must be public schools or licensed childcare programs that serve meals through state or federal nutrition programs. The law also requires that grant distribution considers geographic, social, economic, and racial equity, and allows up to 15 percent of each grant to be used directly for purchasing locally grown food.

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 213) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 214) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 262) of Tackey Chan, Paul R. Feeney and others relative to the licensure of appraisers, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2568).