Rep. Kim Ferguson

Maddy summaryH 4767 requires health care employers in Massachusetts (including hospitals, mental health facilities, and certain state-operated care facilities) to create and maintain workplace violence prevention programs. Employers must conduct annual risk assessments covering factors like working alone, high-crime areas, and patient behavior, then develop written plans with employee training, reporting systems, and crisis response teams. The law mandates specific provisions such as staff training on reporting violence, post-incident debriefings, and designated senior managers for crisis response. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per offense, and employees cannot be retaliated against for reporting safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination in Massachusetts drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. It directly affects communities with PFAS pollution, including vulnerable environmental justice areas, private well owners, and public water systems. The fund provides grants for PFAS treatment, remediation, and outreach programs, prioritizing communities with limited resources. Money comes from settlements with PFAS manufacturers, other grants, and interest, with strict rules requiring repayment if responsible parties are later identified.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Princeton to keep police officer Paul Quinn employed past the usual retirement age of 65, permitting him to serve until age 70 or until he is no longer physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. To ensure he remains fit for the job, the town may require annual medical examinations at its own expense. Additionally, the legislation stops further deductions from his salary after he turns 65 and ensures his final retirement payout matches what he would have received had he retired at age 65.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2505) (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Peter J. Durant and Kimberly N. Ferguson (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the dissolution of the Holmes Park Water District. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Durant and Mr.Ashe of Longmeadow, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3091) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Peter J. Durant, Brian M. Ashe, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to create crumbling concrete relief for homeowners. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1026) requires the Division to cover medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21+ who have developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder and are covered under Chapter 118E. It mandates coverage for treatments like applied behavior analysis (provided by licensed professionals) and both dedicated and non-dedicated communication devices (including tablets), as determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist. The policy directly affects eligible adults with these diagnoses, ensuring state-funded access to specific therapies and assistive devices previously not guaranteed under the existing coverage. It does not change eligibility criteria but expands required coverage for defined treatments and devices.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1831) of Peter J. Durant, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to provide killed in the line of duty benefits to Joanne Songy, surviving spouse of Detective John D. Songy, a police officer of the town of Rutland. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill increases state reimbursement amounts for veterans' burial expenses under Chapter 115 of the General Laws. It raises the maximum reimbursement from $4,000 to $7,000 for one category and from $5,000 to $8,000 for another category of burial costs. The change directly affects veterans or their families seeking state-funded burial expense reimbursements. The policy modifies specific dollar figures in existing law without altering eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vietnam War Commemoration Fund in Massachusetts to honor the 50th anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the Vietnam War, during which over 1,300 Massachusetts service members died. The fund, managed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, will finance local memorials, events, and educational materials, with municipalities eligible to apply for grants. Funding comes from state appropriations, interest, and private donations (which must be reviewed to avoid conditions), and monies in the fund cannot be redirected for other uses. It directly affects Massachusetts veterans, their families, and local communities seeking to commemorate the war's impact.

By Mr. Durant and Ms.Ferguson of Holden, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2789) of Peter J. Durant and Kimberly N. Ferguson (by vote of the town) for legislation to provide recall elections in the town of Rutland. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]