Rep. Steven Ouellette

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Acushnet to hire retired full-time police officers as special police officers to assist with police duties. To qualify, these individuals must have voluntarily retired due to age, maintain their own health insurance, and pass a medical exam, and they are exempt from certain state laws regarding age limits and specific employment protections. While they will have the same arrest powers as regular officers and must follow department rules and training requirements, they will be paid only for the specific details they work and will not receive additional town benefits or benefits tied to their previous retirement.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3201) of Mark C. Montigny and Steven J. Ouellette (by vote of the town) for legislation to provide for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Acushnet. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge and Senator Brownsberger, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David M. Rogers, William N. Brownsberger and others relative to consumer connected devices. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. Rodrigues, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3250) of Michael J. Rodrigues, Carole A. Fiola and Steven J. Ouellette (by vote of the towns) for legislation to provide for recall elections for the Freetown-Lakeville regional school district. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for using camera systems to monitor speeding in active construction zones in Massachusetts. It requires cameras to detect speeds exceeding the posted limit by 15+ mph, with strict evidence standards (including rear-facing images of license plates and timestamps) and mandates public signage in affected zones. The law prohibits vendors from being paid based on ticket revenue and requires the Department of Transportation to destroy non-violation footage within 30 days and violation evidence within one year after case resolution. It directly affects drivers who speed in construction zones and governs how the state and vendors handle speed camera data and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a framework for cities and towns in Massachusetts to use automated traffic cameras to enforce specific violations, such as running red lights, speeding, or blocking intersections. It allows municipalities to install cameras after public hearings, imposes fines between $25 and $150 (with a 60-day warning period initially), and requires annual reports to the state detailing camera locations, safety data, and enforcement results. Registered vehicle owners receive written notices with photos and appeal options, and violations do not count as moving violations on driving records or affect insurance rates. The law directly affects local governments implementing camera systems and vehicle owners cited for camera-enforced violations.

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program for certain children. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Fall River City Council to change election polling locations up to 20 days before an election if doing so improves public convenience or health. The law permits placing voters from different precincts in the same location and requires the council to assess whether such changes negatively affect access based on race, disability, income, or age. Before finalizing any changes, the council must publish an evaluation report online and at the City Clerk's office three days in advance. Additionally, the bill mandates that no alcohol be served or consumed in the parts of buildings used as polling places during voting or ballot counting hours. Finally, the Board of Registrars must notify voters of these new locations using electronic methods like email or reverse 911 calls where possible.

By Representative Meschino of Hull and Senator O'Connor, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan Meschino and Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to designate the American lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2033) of Jason M. Lewis, Liz Miranda, Paul W. Mark, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and other members of the General Court for legislation to close corporate tax loopholes and create progressive revenue. Revenue.