Rep. Margaret Scarsdale

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase unemployment insurance benefits for low-wage workers in Massachusetts by changing how weekly payments are calculated. Under the new rules, weekly benefits would be set at 50% of a worker's average weekly earnings during their base period, rather than a fixed multiple of a standard rate. Additionally, the total amount of benefits a worker can receive over a year would be increased to 60% of their base period wages. These changes aim to provide higher financial support to individuals earning lower incomes who lose their jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to help Massachusetts farmers deal with financial losses caused by PFAS contamination in their soil and crops. It also grants farmers immunity from lawsuits if they are sued for damages resulting from standard farming practices that lead to PFAS presence in the environment. The legislation defines PFAS as specific fluorinated organic compounds and allows the fund to be financed through state appropriations, donations, and federal grants. Money from the fund can be used for testing, adapting farm management practices, providing health support, and developing educational resources for affected agricultural operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal shield for farmers in Massachusetts who are affected by PFAS contamination in their soil, water, or crops. It grants immunity from lawsuits and civil liability to individuals or entities engaged in farming for any damages resulting from these chemical contaminants. The primary mechanism is the amendment of state law to prevent farmers from being sued by third parties when PFAS exposure occurs on their land.

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 175) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Lydia Edwards and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 318) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to direct the Department of Environmental Protection to publish a toxic chemicals of concern consumer products list, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2564).

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to create and publish a list of toxic chemicals of concern found in consumer products intended for children. The legislation defines "children" as individuals aged 12 and under and includes a wide range of items such as toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and artificial turf fields. To determine which chemicals are harmful, the law requires the department to consult with recognized authoritative bodies like the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Once the list is compiled, it will be made available to the public to inform parents and consumers about potential health risks in products used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require employers with 20 or more employees to provide 24 hours of paid leave annually to workers who experience a pregnancy loss. The leave must be paid at the employee's regular rate of pay and include the same employment benefits they would normally receive, such as health insurance. Employers are not required to offer additional leave if they already have a policy that provides equal or greater time off for the same reasons under the same conditions. The legislation also defines key terms like "covered employer," "employee," and "domestic partner" to clarify who is eligible for these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define and address psychological abuse in the workplace, directly affecting employers, employees, and independent contractors. It introduces specific legal definitions for terms such as bullying, mobbing, and toxic work environments to clarify what constitutes mental mistreatment. The legislation also establishes new terminology for psychological injury, ensuring that mental harm is recognized with the same evidentiary standards as physical injury. By updating Chapter 149 of the General Laws, the bill aims to create a clearer legal framework for identifying and addressing non-physical harassment and abuse in employment settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for single-use plastic beverage containers sold in Massachusetts, requiring them to either have caps that are tethered to the bottle or feature an opening that allows drinking without removing the cap. Starting in January 2024, all plastic bottles must also contain at least 15% postconsumer recycled plastic, with the state Department of Environmental Protection authorized to adjust this percentage based on market conditions and technology. The law applies to manufacturers and retailers of single-use containers holding one liter or less of drinks like soda, water, and juice, while explicitly excluding glass and metal containers.