Rep. Kim Ferguson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Rutland to expand its governing body, the board of selectmen, from three to five members. It establishes a new five-member select board with staggered three-year terms, ensuring that at least one member's term expires annually. The legislation also designates this select board to serve as the town's board of public works and requires the town clerk to update official documents to reflect the new terminology. Finally, the act validates any actions taken by the town since the previous board was formed and ensures current members can finish their existing terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to investigate how sex offenders use the internet and whether their online activities can be tracked. The group will examine current laws, compare them with other states, and evaluate the feasibility of registering offenders' internet addresses while considering privacy concerns. The task force includes members from legislative committees, state police, legal experts, and telecommunications specialists, who must submit a report with recommendations within 12 months.

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts residents and local governments address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The fund is designed to cover remediation costs for municipalities, private well owners, and public water systems without requiring additional annual appropriations from the state budget. Money for the fund will come from settlements related to claims against manufacturers of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam, and any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs is responsible for administering the fund and ensuring expenditures align with existing legal settlements.

By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2953) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to a taxpayer exemption for adopted children. Revenue.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2845) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to Department of Revenue interest rate parity. Revenue.

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 Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2183) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others for legislation to improve food allergy awareness. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that aligns with state goals and focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The plans must detail how districts will provide professional development, select core curricula, and offer interventions for students who struggle with reading, particularly in grades K-3. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a list of approved training programs and free online modules to help teachers and administrators implement science-based literacy practices. A stakeholder panel will also be formed to recommend improvements for teacher training and licensure related to early literacy by the end of 2024.

Senate, March 21, 2024 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 263) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Paul W. Mark, John C. Velis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote high-quality comprehensive literacy instruction in all Massachusetts schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2653).