Sen. Paul Feeney

Senate, August 27, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Feeney) for the Senate Bill authorizing the town of Foxborough to grant three additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises (Senate, No. 3094).

By Mr. Feeney and Mr.Chaisson of Foxborough, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3267) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer services to a certain parcel of land in the town of Foxborough. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Feeney and Mr. Chaisson of Foxborough, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3094) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Foxborough to grant three additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of North Attleborough to update terminology and adjust the composition of local governing bodies. It changes the name of the "Park Commission" to the "Parks and Recreation Commission" and increases the number of members on this commission from three to five. Additionally, the legislation updates several section references within the charter and clarifies election rules by requiring write-in candidates to receive a minimum number of votes equal to the signature threshold needed for ballot access.

Maddy summarySD 1011 requires Massachusetts employers at large warehouse distribution centers (with 100+ employees at one site or 500+ across multiple sites) to clearly explain work quotas to employees. Employers must provide written descriptions of each quota at hiring, within 30 days, and within two business days of any changes, including potential job consequences for not meeting it. The bill also mandates employers to maintain records of individual work speed data and aggregated data for similar employees, and allows current or former workers to access their personal data and six months of aggregated data at no cost. This directly affects warehouse workers subject to quotas, aiming to increase transparency and prevent quotas from interfering with required meal, rest, or bathroom breaks.

Maddy summarySD 1113 provides paid family and medical leave for all educators employed by Massachusetts school districts or education collaboratives. The bill specifically defines these educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for leave purposes. School districts will fund their required contributions to the leave program using existing income surtax revenue (from Chapter 62), not from general operating budgets. This ensures educators can take paid leave for family or medical needs without impacting their employment benefits or health insurance coverage.

Maddy summarySD 919 extends collective bargaining rights to legislative employees in Massachusetts. It defines "legislative employees" to include all staff working for the General Court, such as committee employees, office staff, and information services personnel, while specifying certain roles (like those in the speaker's or president's offices) may be excluded if classified as managerial or confidential. The bill establishes that bargaining units can include most legislative employees, with specific exclusions for defined managerial or confidential positions in key leadership offices. This directly affects hundreds of non-elected staff working within the state legislature.

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1355) of Liz Miranda, Mindy Domb and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to establish extreme temperature worker protections; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1357) of Mark C. Montigny and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to establish protections for workers in hot conditions, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3240).

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1609) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Colleen M. Garry for legislation relative to the regulation of Kratom, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3198).

Maddy summarySD 1531 requires employers to protect workers from extreme heat and cold hazards by implementing safety plans. It directly affects all workers in covered settings - including farmworkers, day laborers, temporary staff, and those in outdoor or unregulated indoor environments - when temperatures reach 80°F or higher (heat) or 60°F or lower (cold). Key provisions mandate paid rest breaks, access to shade/warmth, adequate drinking water, supervisor and worker training, and risk evaluations based on factors like humidity and workload. The law also specifies acclimatization protocols for new workers and defines "cool-down areas" to ensure safe temperature recovery.