By Representative Hamilton of Methuen, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan M. Hamilton for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Sheri Panas, an employee of the Department of Unemployment Assistance. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to grant employees unpaid leave specifically for appearing in Probate and Family Court matters related to their rights as parents or legal guardians, such as divorce or custody cases. Under the new provision, workers can take this leave intermittently or on a reduced schedule, and they may use existing paid vacation or sick time to cover the absence if they choose. Employers are allowed to require advance notice of up to seven days for foreseeable leave and may ask for certification from the Attorney General to verify the need for time off. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing the law, and employers cannot be required to provide paid leave for this purpose if they do not normally offer such benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed ticket sellers and platforms in Massachusetts to clearly show the full price of a ticket, including all mandatory fees, before a customer selects it for purchase. It mandates that the total cost and the specific amount of any service charges be displayed prominently in the same font size as the total price to prevent confusion. Additionally, the law prohibits sellers from increasing the ticket price during the checkout process, with the exception of reasonable delivery fees for non-electronic tickets that are disclosed before payment is accepted. These rules apply to anyone selling tickets for events like theater shows, public performances, or amusement parks that require a license.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to address workplace bullying, mobbing, and harassment regardless of whether the victim belongs to a protected class. It defines abusive conduct as repeated verbal abuse, threatening behavior, or actions that undermine an employee's work performance, while also covering online communications. The legislation prohibits employers from creating abusive work environments and bans retaliation against employees who report such behavior. Employers can be held liable for violations by their staff unless they can prove they took reasonable steps to prevent abuse and the employee failed to use available reporting channels.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. ) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Pavel M. Payano and Estela A. Reyes for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Seila Chhav, an employee of the Trial Court. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public higher education institutions in Massachusetts to provide free disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in the restrooms of their buildings. The law mandates that these items be made available in a way that does not stigmatize individuals seeking them. It directly affects public universities and colleges by ensuring access to essential hygiene products for menstruating students and staff.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Merrimack River Collaborative, a coordinating group designed to improve water quality and restore the health of the Merrimack River in Massachusetts. The collaborative will bring together representatives from local governments, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and universities to set goals, share data, and connect communities with funding opportunities. Managed by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission in partnership with other regional councils, the group will hold public hearings, hire consultants as needed, and submit an annual report to the state legislature by December 15th. Members of the collaborative will serve without compensation, and the organization may also seek to include similar groups from New Hampshire.
