By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Marie Letendre, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 374) creates two specific recognition measures for Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in active war zones. First, it requires that cemetery displays honoring veterans include a Merchant Marine flag alongside military branch flags, and mandates installing the Merchant Marine flag in the State House's Memorial Hall. Second, it establishes a Massachusetts Merchant Mariner Medal for eligible residents who served after December 6, 1941, with criteria aligned to federal standards. The award process will be managed by a commission including the Veterans Affairs Secretary, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy representative, and a licensed merchant mariner appointed by the Governor. The bill directly affects living and deceased Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in wartime.
By Representatives Badger of Plymouth and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger for the issuance of an annual proclamation by the Governor to designate October 15th as lobular breast cancer awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cranberry growers to transfer their water use permits to other permitted users to help meet water requirements, primarily benefiting cranberry operations in Massachusetts. It enables registered water use statements and permits for cranberry farming to be shared with other authorized users for mitigation purposes. The Department of Environmental Protection must create implementing regulations by December 31, 2026. The bill directly affects cranberry growers and other water permit holders by creating a new transfer mechanism for water use rights.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cranberry growers in Massachusetts to transfer their water use permits to other municipal users within the same watershed, provided those new users obtain their own permits under state law. It directly affects cranberry growers and municipal water users in shared watersheds by creating a formal mechanism for water rights transfers. The key provision requires new users to secure their own Chapter 21G registrations and permits, rather than relying on the original cranberry permit holder. This changes how water use permits can be utilized for mitigation purposes without altering the underlying permit requirements. The policy update applies specifically to cranberry-related water registrations and permits under M.G.L. Chapter 21G.
By Representatives Moran of Lawrence and Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Frank A. Moran, Adam J. Scanlon and others for legislation to establish a special task force (including members of the General Court) to review and report on vocational admissions policies. Education.
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 377) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the board of elementary and secondary education; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 443) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to modernize the board of elementary and secondary education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2868).
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 377) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the board of elementary and secondary education. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for employers using artificial intelligence in employment decisions within Massachusetts. It defines key terms like "Automated Decision System" (ADS) as any AI tool making hiring, promotion, or workplace decisions, and restricts how employers can collect or use sensitive employee data - including biometrics, health information, and productivity tracking. Employers must disclose ADS use and obtain consent for certain data collection, while prohibiting the use of AI tools for decisions affecting wages, benefits, or job access without transparency. The law directly affects all Massachusetts employers and workers whose data is processed by such systems.
