Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination in Massachusetts drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. It directly affects communities with PFAS pollution, including vulnerable environmental justice areas, private well owners, and public water systems. The fund provides grants for PFAS treatment, remediation, and outreach programs, prioritizing communities with limited resources. Money comes from settlements with PFAS manufacturers, other grants, and interest, with strict rules requiring repayment if responsible parties are later identified.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of East Bridgewater to issue four new licenses allowing specific grocery stores to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. The legislation permits these licenses to be granted to Joppa Market, Crocetti's Oakdale Packing, T Square Food Stop, and Om Tri Town Express, provided they comply with standard state alcohol laws. If a store stops operating or fails to renew its license, the town can reissue it to a new applicant at the same location within three years, but the license cannot be moved to a different address. Additionally, any store receiving this new license must return its existing wine and malt beverage license to the town.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1988) of Ryan C. Fattman, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Steven George Xiarhos and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Massachusetts to set and update drug reimbursement rates based on transparent, standardized criteria. It mandates that PBMs provide pharmacies with timely access to their "maximum allowable cost" lists, allow pharmacies to challenge rates below their actual drug purchase costs, and offer a 7-day appeal process for disputes. Pharmacies can refuse to dispense drugs if reimbursement would be lower than their acquisition cost, and PBMs must reimburse pharmacies at least as much as they pay their own affiliated pharmacies. The law applies to all PBMs serving MassHealth and similar programs, with violations treated as unfair trade practices.

Maddy summaryHD 288 creates new leave protections for contract workers (e.g., staffing agency employees) who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping. It allows up to 15 days of unpaid leave per year for purposes like seeking medical care, legal help, court appearances, or securing housing related to the abuse. Employers must permit this leave but can decide if it’s paid, require documentation (such as a protective order or sworn statement from a professional), and must keep all related information confidential. The bill specifically excludes regular employees (covered under existing law) and requires contract workers to use other available leave first before taking this leave.

Maddy summaryThis bill denies access to Commonwealth-subsidized public housing for individuals convicted of Level 2 or Level 3 sex offenses in Massachusetts. It directly affects people with these specific sex offense convictions who would otherwise qualify for subsidized housing. The law amends housing statutes to require such denial by inserting a new subsection (q) into the relevant chapter. This creates a mandatory restriction on housing eligibility for these individuals in publicly funded housing units. The policy change is limited to housing subsidized by the state, not all public housing.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1920) of John C. Velis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane and other members of the General Court for legislation to correct inequities regarding the retirement of state-employed and special authority-employed police officers. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 280) defines key terms for beverage regulations, specifically creating a new definition for "Miniature" as a small, sealable container (under 100ml) made of glass, metal, or plastic, designed solely for alcoholic beverages. It amends existing law by removing outdated definitions of "Beverage" and "Beverage container" and inserting precise language to clarify what qualifies as a miniature. The bill directly affects alcohol beverage producers, retailers, and regulators by establishing clear criteria for small alcohol containers under state law. It does not create new disposal requirements or regulations, as implied by the title, but solely refines terminology.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax break for homeowners who make specific modifications to their homes to accommodate elderly or disabled tenants. It allows a $500 annual reduction in property taxes for improvements made to provide housing for someone aged 60 or older, or a disabled person (as defined in the bill), who is not the home's owner. The home must have been a single or multi-family residence with no more than three units before the changes, and the homeowner must annually confirm the tenant's eligibility. The exemption ends if the tenant no longer lives there and cannot be claimed more than once per year by a single homeowner.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1669) of Peter J. Durant, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Joseph D. McKenna, Steven George Xiarhos and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to post-traumatic stress disorder in law enforcement officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.