Rep. David LeBoeuf

Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies app-based delivery workers (like food or package couriers for companies such as DoorDash) as employees for wage purposes, requiring delivery network companies to pay them at least the state minimum wage for all "working time" (including both assigned delivery tasks and standby time). Companies must calculate wages to ensure workers earn the minimum wage on average for their first 40 hours per week, with an option to pay 150% of minimum wage for assigned time only if workers control their schedule. The bill mandates detailed payroll reporting for companies, including breakdowns of assigned time, standby time, and wages, and requires quarterly publication of aggregated data on pay and hours. It directly affects app-based delivery workers and the companies that employ them across Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 737 prevents Massachusetts colleges and universities from withholding a student's academic transcripts solely because they owe unpaid fees, tuition, or other debts to the institution. The bill allows schools to withhold a student's grades or credits for specific courses where tuition and mandatory fees for that course remain unpaid, including for semester-based payments. It explicitly states institutions may still withhold diplomas or degrees for unpaid debts. The law applies to all public and private colleges, universities, and occupational schools, with the Department of Higher Education responsible for creating implementation rules.

Maddy summaryH 5032 requires that for public construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding $10 million in cost, contractors and subcontractors must ensure at least 15% of labor hours for each trade are performed by registered apprentices. This applies to all public works projects (like schools or roads) and directly affects construction companies bidding on such projects. Contractors must use apprentice programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies can exempt specific trades only after proving no qualified bidders with apprenticeship programs are available, with strict documentation requirements. The bill does not apply to projects under $10 million or exempt entire projects unless documented per trade.

Maddy summaryHD 433 modifies Massachusetts' unemployment insurance rules for overpayments. It limits deductions from future benefits to 10% of the weekly rate for recipients not at fault, sets a 3-year deadline for recovery in such cases, and expands waiver eligibility for people on public assistance (like SNAP or TAFDC) or facing financial hardship. The bill also requires a 60-day waiting period before collections begin and clarifies when overpayments must be waived due to department errors or specific hardship situations (e.g., pandemic-era payment mistakes). It directly affects unemployment benefit recipients who received overpayments through no fault of their own.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes paid time off (PTO) and break requirements for agricultural workers in Massachusetts. Non-family agricultural employees (defined in the bill) earn 1 hour of PTO for every 40 hours worked, up to 55 hours per calendar year, with a 45-day waiting period before use. It also mandates two 15-minute breaks for 8+ hour shifts, requiring employers to provide hydration and temperature regulation during extreme weather. The bill clarifies the definition of "agricultural work" and ensures PTO cannot replace required sick leave under existing law.

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1554) of John F. Keenan and James B. Eldridge for legislation to provide counseling about lung cancer screening to individuals accessing the Massachusetts Quitline. Public Health.

Maddy summaryH 4974 requires contractors working on public construction projects costing over $10 million to hire registered apprentices, phasing in minimum apprentice-hour requirements: 5% after one year, 10% after three years, and 15% after four years. It mandates that contractors maintain approved apprentice training programs and register apprentices with the state, while allowing limited waivers for specific trades if qualified bidders aren't available. The bill also establishes a new commission to study apprenticeship programs and expands a high school career pathway program for building/transportation careers. These requirements apply to all public works projects, contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies involved in qualifying construction contracts.

Maddy summaryH 4994 requires public agencies to mandate that contractors for public construction projects exceeding $10 million in cost must include registered apprentices in their workforce. Specifically, it sets increasing minimums: starting at 5% of total hours for each trade in 2026, rising to 10% in 2027, and 15% by 2028, all performed by apprentices in programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards. Contractors must register apprentices with this division and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies may grant limited exemptions for specific trades if no qualified bidder with an apprentice program is available, but must document and report these exemptions. The bill directly affects public agencies, construction contractors, and subcontractors working on large public projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per 30-day supply for all patients, regardless of insulin type or quantity needed. It directly affects insulin users, drug manufacturers, and insurers by requiring them to limit patient costs. Drug companies must offer free 30-day insulin supplies to eligible individuals urgently needing insulin (with less than a 7-day supply) who meet income limits (≤400% federal poverty level) and lack private drug coverage. The law also mandates manufacturers to establish accessible application processes for this assistance program within 14 days.

Maddy summaryHD 3241 requires Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to maximize in-person visitation for incarcerated individuals by mandating specific schedules: at least two daily visiting periods (one at least four hours long), an eight-hour weekend visit, and a four-hour holiday visit. It prohibits facilities from limiting visitor numbers, excluding visitors based on criminal history, community involvement, or religious practices, or restricting physical contact like hugging during visits. The bill also mandates accommodations for children (with designated areas and activities), reasonable dress code policies respecting cultural/religious needs, and written justifications with appeal options for any visitation restrictions. Facilities must ensure visitation does not decrease below 2025 baseline levels and must exhaust all means to meet the schedule.