Rep. Nick Boldyga

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the town offices in Southwick by separating the town clerk from the treasurer and tax collector roles. It establishes the town clerk as an appointive position managed by the select board, while merging the treasurer and collector of taxes into a single treasurer-collector role. Although these positions are legally distinct, the law allows the select board to appoint one person to serve in both the clerk and treasurer-collector capacities if desired. The act also outlines how the select board can set employment terms, salaries, and conditions for these new roles through personal services contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to offer financial literacy counseling to students upon their arrival on campus. The primary goal is to help new students understand student loans and other education-related expenses. Under the legislation, the state Board of Higher Education must provide a College Financing Plan that details estimated costs for tuition, housing, books, and transportation alongside available grants, scholarships, and loan options. Institutions are permitted to deliver this plan in an electronic, printable format, and the Board is authorized to create regulations to ensure these requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to investigate industries affected by the pandemic that could benefit from the WorkShare program, a state initiative designed to help businesses retain employees during economic downturns by reducing hours rather than laying off staff. The legislation requires the agency to produce a report within six months detailing current usage, identifying potential new participants, and suggesting ways to increase employer awareness. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a marketing strategy to be implemented within 12 months, which will include distributing promotional materials and running advertisements to encourage more companies to utilize the program.

By Representative Boldyga of Southwick and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nicholas A. Boldyga and Paul W. Mark that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and the town of Southwick be authorized to enter into a license for a renewable term of 5-years to use the North Pond boat ramp on Point Grove Road in the town of Southwick for parking purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools in Massachusetts to keep a supply of emergency epinephrine auto-injectors available for students experiencing anaphylactic reactions. It mandates that these supplies be stored in unlocked, easily accessible locations, with the specific number of injectors determined by the school's population. The legislation also establishes that school staff who administer the medication in good faith are protected from civil liability for negligence, while the Department of Public Health will create rules to ensure proper training and inventory checks. Additionally, the bill directs state departments to seek federal funding and inquire about free epinephrine from pharmaceutical companies to help cover implementation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines rural school districts in Massachusetts as those with low student density and below-average income to ensure they receive targeted support. It requires a state center to annually review these districts' health insurance plans and provide cost-saving recommendations, such as joining purchasing groups, while offering assistance to implement those changes. Additionally, the bill creates a new office of shared services to help rural districts form regional unions and manage shared resources, and it gives special education paraprofessionals priority for certain licensure grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education laws to allow students to count their participation in 4-H programs as school attendance, equivalent to an educational field trip. It requires schools to provide opportunities for students to complete missed work and ensures that grades are not negatively impacted by their absence from class for these activities. The legislation also mandates that 4-H agents provide proof of participation upon school request, while explicitly excluding attendance credit during standardized testing periods or times when a student is suspended or expelled.