Sen. Paul Feeney

By Representative Rogers of Norwood and Senator Rush, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John H. Rogers and others that the commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to take by eminent domain a certain parcel of land in the town of Norwood. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new workplace safety standards to protect workers from extreme heat and cold. It requires employers to provide paid rest breaks, free cool drinking water (under 75°F), adequate shade or warmth, and training for supervisors and staff when temperatures reach defined thresholds (80°F+ for heat, 60°F- for cold). The law specifically covers all workers - including farmworkers, day laborers, part-time staff, and temporary employees - regardless of immigration status, and mandates acclimatization plans for new workers during their first week on the job. Employers must implement engineering controls (like ventilation) and administrative controls (such as adjusted work schedules) to reduce temperature-related risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts warehouse employers to provide workers with written descriptions of work quotas (including performance standards and potential job consequences) at hire and within 30 days. Employers must also disclose an employee's personal work speed data and aggregated performance data for similar workers upon request, and cannot enforce quotas that prevent taking meal/rest breaks or bathroom access. It directly affects nonexempt warehouse workers at facilities meeting specific NAICS codes (e.g., warehousing, delivery services) with 100+ employees at a single site. Key mechanisms include mandatory written quota disclosures, record-keeping obligations for work speed data, and employee access to their own performance records. The law applies to all employers controlling wages/conditions for 100+ warehouse workers at a single location or 500+ across multiple locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a court-supervised outpatient treatment program for adults (18+) with severe mental illness who are at substantial risk of harm to self or others and unable to meet basic needs due to their condition, and who have a history of treatment non-adherence (including multiple hospitalizations or violent behavior). Authorized individuals - such as doctors, family members, or probation officers - can petition a court for a "critical community mental health service treatment plan," which must include supervision, medication, and assistance with housing, food, and other essentials. The court must determine this outpatient care is the least restrictive alternative before approving the plan, with initial orders limited to 180 days and renewals to 365 days. The program aims to prevent hospitalizations by providing structured community-based support.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 1536) of Paul R. Feeney that provisions be made to address EMS and health care services shortfalls in southeastern Massachusetts. Public Health.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 744) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to group insurance commission procurement. Financial Services.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 745) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to limit out of pocket health expenses. Financial Services.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 746) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to improve patient access to non-emergency medical transportation. Financial Services.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1397) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish five regional pilot programs to examine alternative models for transport of behavioral health patients. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.