Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2085) aims to help apprentices complete their training programs by creating pathways to finish their required hours and certifications. It directly affects apprentices in Massachusetts who are working toward skilled trades careers and the employers who sponsor their training. The key mechanism involves establishing structured opportunities for apprentices to meet training requirements without disruption. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by ensuring more apprentices successfully complete their programs and enter the labor market.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a new "Orange Star" license plate option for Massachusetts veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service. The plate would be available for purchase at standard vehicle registration fees, providing a visible identifier for eligible veterans. It directly affects veterans who served in areas where Agent Orange was used, such as Vietnam, and meets a specific need for recognition within the state's vehicle registration system.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1914) bans Massachusetts manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods for product safety assessments when valid non-animal alternatives exist, excluding medical research. It requires the commissioner of public health to establish regulations within 180 days defining acceptable alternative test methods (like computer modeling or lab studies), aligning with international standards. The law takes effect six months after passage, directly affecting companies testing products in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Massachusetts' "Secure Choice Savings Program," requiring private employers with 5+ Massachusetts-based employees (who don't already offer retirement plans) to automatically enroll workers in a payroll-deduction retirement savings account. The program, managed by a state board, creates a separate fund for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) that meet federal tax rules, with contributions deducted directly from paychecks. Employees earn retirement savings without needing to take action, and employers must facilitate payroll deductions but aren't required to contribute. The program targets private-sector workers in businesses that lack existing retirement plans, aiming to boost savings through automatic enrollment.

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jay D. Livingstone and others relative to ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHD 1043 establishes Massachusetts' Farm to School Program to connect schools with local food producers. It directly affects K-12 schools and licensed childcare programs participating in federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Feeding Program) across Massachusetts. The bill creates two key mechanisms: (1) a grant program funding kitchen equipment, staff training, and food literacy curriculum, and (2) a reimbursement incentive that pays schools $1 for every $2 spent on Massachusetts-grown food or $1 for every $3 on New England/New York regional food. The program also sets up an advisory committee and a dedicated fund to manage grants and ensure equitable access for schools and socially disadvantaged producers.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Retirement Board to credit seven specific firefighters with prior service years at the Otis Air National Guard Base federal fire department (JBCC FD) toward their state retirement benefits. It applies to Dennis Ragazzini (10 years), Scott Chicoine (8.24 years), Schaun Dion (6.93 years), Eric Weston (6.44 years), Jason Orlowski (5.67 years), Thomas Stark (3.99 years), and Joshua Child, for service periods ending September 28, 2008. To receive this credit, each individual must pay back the equivalent of retirement deductions they would have made during that federal service, plus interest, either in full or through installments. The bill directly affects these named individuals and modifies their retirement credit calculation without changing broader state retirement rules.

Maddy summaryHD 2988 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - encompassing both postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing. It applies directly to insured individuals and their covered spouses or dependents, ensuring equal access to this care as part of existing postpartum coverage requirements. The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage without unreasonable delays or restrictions, aligning with existing health care laws. These changes apply to multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws governing health insurance plans and Medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1468) allows school nurses employed in Department of Education-approved schools to count prior nursing work experience toward their retirement credit if they are already in a teacher's, municipal, or state retirement system. To qualify, nurses must pay 10% of their annual salary for each year of service plus interest (paid in a lump sum or installments), after completing 10 years in the retirement system, with a maximum of three years of creditable service allowed. Nurses must apply within 90 days of being notified of eligibility by the retirement board.