Rep. Matt Muratore

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and towns in Massachusetts to offer extra pay to their property assessors who hold specific professional certifications. Under the new rules, eligible full-time assessors could earn an additional bonus of up to $3,000 a year, while part-time workers might receive up to $500, depending on the level of certification they hold. To qualify for these payments, assessors must complete required training, obtain a recognized certificate, and submit proof of their credentials to their local government. The legislation applies only to municipalities that choose to adopt these provisions, and any extra pay is calculated as a percentage of the assessor's regular salary.

By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2839) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Smitty Pignatelli and others relative to the conservation land tax credit. Revenue.

By Representative Ayers of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2707) of Bruce J. Ayers and others for legislation to provide a donation check-off box on state tax returns for the establishment of the Y.M.C.A. youth and government fund. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to direct 1.5% of the state's room occupancy tax revenue from the previous fiscal year toward promoting jobs and economic growth in the tourism, visitation, and hospitality sectors. The change affects the state's budgeting process by creating a specific funding stream derived from taxes paid by hotel guests to support these industries. By modifying Section 13T of Chapter 23A, the legislation establishes a mechanism to allocate a portion of existing tax collections for economic development initiatives in the hospitality field.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a student loan repayment program designed to support human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The legislation creates a new section in state law to define eligible providers and set up the framework for offering loan repayments to encourage individuals to enter and remain in the human services field. By providing financial assistance for student loans, the bill aims to address workforce stability and recruitment challenges within these essential community programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in Massachusetts serving students in grades six through twelve to provide free disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in school restrooms. The law mandates that these items be available at no cost to students and must be distributed in a way that avoids stigmatizing anyone who uses them. School districts are authorized to adjust the quantity of products based on usage rates to ensure adequate supply. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on August 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new student loan repayment program in Massachusetts designed to support human services workers who have earned degrees or certificates. To qualify, employees of designated community-based organizations must work at least 35 hours per week and have completed 12 consecutive months of employment in the field. The program prioritizes applicants with lower salaries, bilingual skills, or experience in direct care, offering up to $30,000 in loan repayment assistance depending on the applicant's highest degree. The executive office of health and human services will manage the program using guidelines set by the department of higher education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to update how local councils on aging operate and are staffed. It changes the official description of these councils to focus on the "needs of older adults" rather than "problems of the aging" and clarifies that they can deliver services in addition to running programs. The legislation also updates terminology to refer to council employees as "staff" and grants directors of advisory councils the authority to hire employees based on local needs. These changes directly affect the legal framework governing aging councils across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows married spouses to work as paid caregivers for their partners under the MassHealth program, which provides home-based care and services. By amending state law, the legislation removes the current restriction that prevents spouses from receiving payment for this role, provided it does not violate federal regulations. The state's health and human services office is required to submit the necessary paperwork to federal authorities within six months to make these changes official. This policy change directly affects families in Massachusetts who rely on MassHealth for assistance with daily living activities.