Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik (Diwali) as an official state holiday. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation establishing this day as a state holiday, recommending its observance by the public. The holiday directly affects state employees and public institutions, recognizing Diwali - the "Festival of Lights" - as a globally celebrated event observed by millions of Americans. The bill creates a formal, recurring state observance without altering existing work schedules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to include a one-semester civic education course as a graduation requirement starting with the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates that the curriculum cover U.S. and state government structures, citizen rights/responsibilities (including voting), civic movement history, and community engagement projects. The state education department must develop a standardized, inclusive curriculum and provide resources for schools, while also supporting student voter registration through campus drives and partnerships with local election offices. Schools must report annually on implementation progress and student engagement metrics.

Maddy summaryHD 185 defines "private child care program" to clarify which facilities it covers (e.g., nurseries caring for children under 7, or under 16 with special needs, outside of parental care), excluding licensed programs and older children. It requires these programs to adopt health/safety policies, have staff complete annual department-provided training, and follow specific regulations on staff-to-child ratios, infant limits, and civil fines (capped at $250 per violation). The department must create these regulations, provide consultation to programs, and conduct a 5-year review. The bill also mandates the department to collect and publish online information about child care providers, including their licensing status and compliance with health/safety rules. This directly affects unlicensed private child care programs and their staff, with enforcement by the department.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4107) of Leigh Davis relative to CPR training in schools and the promotion of careers in emergency medical services. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal mechanism allowing certain construction industry stakeholders (like competing employers, labor organizations, or affected employees) to sue on behalf of the Commonwealth against employers who fail to pay wages properly. If successful, the lawsuit recovers triple the unpaid wages plus a 20% surcharge, with all funds directed to a state wage enforcement fund. The fund supports wage law enforcement, public education, and emergency loans for workers facing urgent housing, heat, or food costs. It specifically targets wage non-payment violations in construction projects governed by Chapter 149, aiming to stop unfair competition from employers who undercut honest competitors by skipping wage payments.

By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 572) of Carole A. Fiola and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools. Education.

By Representative Walsh of Peabody, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 750) of Thomas P. Walsh for legislation to require schools to provide training on hands-only CPR and the use of defibrillators. Education.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 548) of Marjorie C. Decker and Michelle L. Badger relative to firearm storage education. Education.

Maddy summaryHD 368 requires all public bodies (including local towns, school districts, counties, and state agencies) to make meetings both physically open and remotely accessible to the public. It mandates that meetings must be viewable online via free video platforms without charge, with captioning and accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities. The bill also requires 48-hour advance notice of meetings (posted online and visibly in public buildings), specifies minimum physical presence requirements for voting members, and requires state meetings to be recorded and posted within 10 business days. These changes aim to modernize public access to government meetings while maintaining transparency and inclusivity.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 763) of Marjorie C. Decker for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the feasibility of state-sponsored prescription drug manufacturing or distribution in the Commonwealth. Elder Affairs.