Rep. Ken Sweezey

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the rules for public employees seeking disability benefits related to PTSD or psychological injuries. It removes the time limit for filing claims if the injury is emotional or psychological, allowing employees to use employer records showing they directly responded to a work incident. The employer records must confirm the employee's involvement in the incident, without requiring it to have occurred within two years of the claim. This specifically affects state workers and their beneficiaries filing for benefits under disability programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal presumption that certain contagious diseases contracted by full-time police, fire, or emergency medical service workers were incurred during their duties, if they passed required physical exams upon entry and had no pre-existing condition. It applies to diseases like COVID-19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV - those linked to exposure to blood or bodily fluids - excluding the common cold. Workers must apply within five years of leaving active service and demonstrate they regularly responded to emergency calls during their tenure. Benefits, if approved, would cover disability or death claims under existing workers' compensation laws (Chapters 32, 41, 152).

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Massachusetts public schools treat student participation in 4-H programs as excused absences, counting up to 5 days per year the same as field trips. Schools must provide make-up work and prevent grades from being negatively affected due to 4-H participation. It does not apply during standardized testing periods or if a student is suspended/expelled. The policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

By Representative Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 714) of Kenneth P. Sweezey, Marcus S. Vaughn and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to study the fiscal, economic, and educational impact of raising the foundation budget inflation cap. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Blue Star Family" license plate for relatives (spouses, parents, siblings, children) of Massachusetts police officers killed in the line of duty, allowing them to display it on one vehicle or affix an emblem on a motorcycle. It also strengthens penalties for violating the "Move Over Law" (requiring drivers to move for emergency vehicles), increasing fines for repeat offenses and mandating driver behavior programs after second or third violations. Additionally, it establishes a "Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Fund" funded by 50% of fines collected from Move Over Law violations, to support the state memorial honoring fallen officers. The bill further directs the state to develop a statewide "Blue Alert" system for cases involving attacks on law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Central Plymouth County Water District to maintain continuous water flow from Silver Lake, Monponsett Pond, and Furnace Pond to the Jones River, Stump Brook, and Herring Brook year-round, unless drought conditions prevent it. It directly affects water management practices for these specific water bodies and their connected rivers. The key provision mandates that water diversions must not endanger the environmental health of associated ponds and rivers, and the ponds must consistently supply flow to sustain river water quality and ecosystem health. This creates a concrete, enforceable standard for water flow management in the district.

By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Michael O. Moore, Mark C. Montigny, Patrick Joseph Kearney and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.