By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2824) of Natalie M. Higgins, Christine P. Barber and others relative to the imposition of an annual excise tax upon certain private institutions of higher learning. Revenue.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2963) of Erika Uyterhoeven and others relative to payments in lieu of taxation by organizations exempt from the property tax. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to replace outdated terms like "handicapped" and "mentally retarded" with modern, person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disabilities." The legislation directly affects various statutes within Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover areas including employment, veterans' benefits, and general disability protections. By systematically changing these specific words throughout the legal code, the bill ensures that official state documents use respectful and current terminology when referring to people with disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and colleges in Massachusetts to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone and text number on all student identification cards. The law applies to students in grades 6 through 12 in public schools and to all students at public and private higher education institutions. Starting July 1, 2023, any new cards issued or replacements for lost or damaged cards must include this contact information, though existing unused cards from before that date may still be distributed. The measure aims to make mental health support resources more visible and accessible to students by integrating them directly into everyday identification items.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for teachers who move between school districts and state education offices to ensure their retirement benefits remain consistent. It clarifies that educators working for the executive office of education or the department of elementary and secondary education will keep their status as teachers and stay in the teachers' or Boston retirement systems without interruption. Additionally, the bill offers a one-time chance for certain long-term members of these retirement systems to join an alternative savings program, requiring them to pay back contributions at a specific rate if they choose to participate.
By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2630) of Alice Hanlon Peisch and others relative to retirement benefits for teachers. Public Service.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to allow rideshare drivers to form organizations and negotiate with companies to improve industry-wide working conditions. It aims to address issues like pay, health coverage, and scheduling by enabling collective bargaining between drivers and digital transportation platforms. The legislation authorizes the state to oversee these negotiations and approve recommendations that raise standards for workers in the digital marketplace.
By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2505) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to public employee retiree benefits. Public Service.
By Representatives Connolly of Cambridge and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3845) of Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a real estate transfer fee on certain real estate transactions in said city. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
