Rep. Joe McKenna

Maddy summaryThis law allows the town of Uxbridge to issue two new permits for businesses to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Specifically, it authorizes licenses for a business at 30 Douglas Street and another at 262 Millville Road, bypassing the usual state restriction on the number of such licenses in the town. The permits come with strict rules, including a ban on transferring the license to a different location and requirements that the business maintain good standing with tax and employment agencies. If a business closes or fails to renew its permit, the town can reissue it to a new applicant at the same address within three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing system for quarries that produce concrete aggregate used in foundations, requiring applicants to submit geological reports and test results to prove the absence of harmful minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite. It creates a state agency to oversee this process, publish a public database of licensed quarries, and manage a fund to help homeowners with deteriorated foundations caused by these minerals. The legislation also imposes strict liability on unlicensed quarry operators and contractors who use non-compliant concrete, while allowing local governments to set even stricter safety standards.

Senate, December 30, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to crumbling concrete foundations (Senate, No. 2559),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3015).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Oxford to restructure how the police department is managed and staffed. It removes the Chief of Police and sworn officers from the list of positions that the town's selectmen can appoint, remove, or set salaries for, effectively shifting these powers away from the local board. The legislation also exempts the town from specific state laws that currently govern police department oversight, establishing a new section to define the chief of police's authority independently of the selectmen. Ultimately, the act changes the governance structure of the Oxford police department by limiting the direct control the town board has over hiring, firing, and compensation for police leadership and sworn members.

By Representatives McKenna of Webster and Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2595) of Joseph D. McKenna and Paul K. Frost (by vote of the town) relative to employment within the police department of the town of Oxford. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Murray of Milford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brian W. Murray and others relative to disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Craig Gagner, a police officer in the Town of Oxford, to continue working in his current role until he turns 68 or is relieved of duty, whichever happens first. It grants him the right to receive a retirement benefit equivalent to what he would have earned had he retired at age 65, while also permitting the town to pay for a medical exam to ensure he remains physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. The law applies retroactively from October 31, 2023, and prevents any further deductions from his salary under existing state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Uxbridge to issue four new permits for selling alcohol intended for off-premises consumption. It specifically allows two existing businesses, a package store and a grocery store, to operate these additional licenses. The law includes a provision that if a business stops using a license, the town can reissue it to another applicant at the same location. These licenses must be granted within three years of the bill becoming effective.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the General Court for legislation to enhance the authority of courts to protect public safety. The Judiciary.

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.