Sen. Paul Mark

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs and cats that are younger than eight weeks old, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to $100. It also bans the selling or trading of these animals in public places such as roadside areas, parks, flea markets, and parking lots, while allowing exceptions for licensed shelters, animal control facilities, and educational exhibitions. Local animal control officers or police are responsible for enforcing these rules, and fines increase for repeat offenses of selling animals in public spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Rowe to continue employing Dennis Annear as a firefighter until he reaches the age of 70 or retires, whichever comes first. It specifically exempts him from standard pension deductions that usually begin at age 65, ensuring his salary remains unaffected during his extended service. The legislation overrides existing state laws that typically limit firefighter employment based on age, granting the town the authority to retain him in his current role.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the town of Lee's public works administration by replacing its existing water and sewer commissioners and cemetery board with a new five-member Board of Public Works. The new board, appointed by the town's select board, will assume all current powers and duties of the abolished entities while operating under the select board's control. Key provisions include establishing a superintendent of public works who reports to the new board, ensuring that all current employees are transferred without loss of benefits, and setting rules for hiring and reporting on infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Charlemont to allow fire department member Dennis Annear to continue working until he turns 68, retires, or is removed from his position, whichever happens first. The law requires that Annear remain physically and mentally capable of performing his duties, with the town responsible for paying for a medical exam to verify this capability if requested. Additionally, the bill ensures that Annear will not have any deductions made from his regular pay for the time he works under this new arrangement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Lee to keep its assistant fire chief, Glenn M. Wilcox, employed until he turns 70, retires, or is removed by the town administrator, whichever happens first. As long as he remains mentally and physically fit, the town can require a doctor's exam to confirm his ability to work, but he will not face any pay cuts after age 65 that are typically used for retirement calculations. If he eventually retires, he will receive a pension amount equal to what he would have gotten had he stopped working at age 65.

Senate, December 19, 2024 - Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Mark) to the House Bill providing for the recall of elected officials in the town of Williamstown (House, No. 5002).

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2766) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul W. Mark and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to rename the Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals specific fiscal stability procedures that were previously established for the towns of Chesterfield and Goshen in 2005. By removing these rules, the legislation allows these two municipalities to operate without the earlier financial constraints. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in December 2024.

By Representative Boldyga of Southwick and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2716) of Nicholas A. Boldyga and Paul W. Mark that the town of Blandford be authorized to establish a program for certain members of the Blandford volunteer fire department to reduce the real property tax obligations or the motor vehicle and trailer excise tax obligations of such volunteers in exchange for their volunteer service. Revenue.

By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5066) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Conway be authorized to establish a special fund for the festival of the hills receipts in said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]