By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3534) of Adam Scanlon and others relative to providing for a prisoner of war income tax exemption. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2422) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2423) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative McKenna of Webster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2888) of Joseph D. McKenna, Angelo L. D'Emilia and Michael J. Soter for legislation to ensure that state payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to cities and towns not be less than the previous fiscal year. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new high school trade partnership program that allows public high schools to partner with private employers to provide vocational-technical education and apprenticeships. To encourage participation, the legislation offers tax credits to qualifying employers who spend money on this program, with a maximum credit of $100,000 per employer per year. The program must include both classroom and on-site training, and participating schools will form advisory committees to review applications from students and businesses. Additionally, the bill requires the state education department to set rules for employer criteria, student academic requirements, safety standards, and support for English language learners.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2952) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to the amount and valuation for eligibility for a tax exemption on commercial property. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's disability pension laws to specifically address injuries sustained from violent attacks involving dangerous weapons. It creates a new category called "violent act injury," which covers life-threatening or permanent harm caused by items like firearms, knives, or vehicles while a public employee is working. Under the new rules, firefighters, police officers, and certain medical professionals who suffer such injuries and cannot perform their jobs permanently would be eligible for a pension equal to 100% of their previous salary. The legislation also establishes specific procedures, including a review by a medical panel, to verify the injury and the employee's inability to work before granting the benefit. Additionally, the bill outlines how these pensions would be paid to surviving spouses and children if the injured employee passes away.
By Representative Sullivan-Almeida of Abington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2406) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida and others relative to immunity from prosecution for certain first responders for providing or transferring opioid antagonists to certain persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3053) of Steven S. Howitt and others relative to information provided to relevant state agencies upon the submission of applications for state grant funding. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes a three-year pilot program to study how fentanyl testing strips impact public health and safety among people who use opioids and other drugs. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services would run a competitive grant process to fund organizations that help individuals test their substances for fentanyl before use and create rapid response systems to prevent overdoses. As part of the program, the state would publish an annual list of laboratories offering quality test strips and allow participants to access addiction treatment services while using the strips. The bill also requires the office to create rules for testing procedures and mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing grant recipients, participant numbers, and health outcomes over a two-year follow-up period.
