By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1860) of Paul R. Feeney, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to expand the cancer presumption for firefighters. Public Service.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1914) of John C. Velis, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Parkinson's disease disability and death in firefighters. Public Service.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1821) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Public Service.
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1788) of Michael D. Brady, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to PTSD and accidental disability retirement. Public Service.
Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 949) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission that will make recommendations for public higher education buildings relative to energy efficiency, spatial adequacy, life safety, accessibility, indoor environmental quality and public health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2594).
Maddy summarySD 41 requires condominium associations to provide unit owners with access to financial and operational records (such as budgets, reports, and legal documents) within 5 to 10 business days, with electronic delivery preferred and free of charge. Failure to comply results in a $100 daily fine, payable by the managing agent or common funds. The bill also mandates a minimum 10% annual contribution to a replacement reserve fund and requires preventive maintenance plans for all associations, with larger associations (50+ units) needing periodic reserve studies. Additionally, it establishes an Office of the Condominium Ombudsman within the Attorney General’s office to handle complaints and provide mediation, while requiring internal dispute resolution procedures for unit owner grievances.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill (S 1078) protects employees' free speech rights by prohibiting employers from disciplining or firing workers for exercising First Amendment rights related to political or religious matters. It specifically covers activities like discussing elections, joining political or religious groups, or refusing to attend employer meetings promoting religious/political views - unless the speech disrupts work. Employers must still follow legal requirements and job-related communications, and religious organizations are exempt under certain conditions. The law allows affected employees to seek damages, lost wages, and legal fees if their rights are violated.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1367) strengthens penalties for sexual assaults by adults in positions of trust involving children. It specifically targets individuals like teachers, coaches, child care providers, foster parents, or family members with custody who commit indecent assault or abuse against children under 18. For children under 14, offenders face life imprisonment or a minimum 10-year sentence with no parole or early release; for children aged 14-17, penalties include up to 10 years in prison. The law explicitly states children under 18 cannot consent and bars defenses claiming the trusted role ended. Prosecutions under this law cannot be dismissed without a finding.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends court procedures for name changes to enhance personal safety protections. It requires courts to request probation reports before approving name changes and mandates submission of birth records or prior name-change documentation. Crucially, courts can now keep name-change records confidential and segregated if they determine public access would jeopardize safety - specifically citing risks related to gender non-conformity, transgender status, or domestic violence survival. The law ensures courts cannot deny confidentiality requests solely due to lack of documented threats, focusing on the "totality of circumstances" rather than specific incidents. This directly affects individuals seeking name changes who face safety concerns, making court records more secure without altering substantive name-change eligibility.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 400) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Bruce E. Tarr, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to ensure adequate and equitable funding for public education. Education.
