Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts employers to adopt written anti-harassment policies by January 1, 2027, and provide annual training to employees on preventing unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment). It mandates training content covering legal requirements, examples of harassment, bystander intervention, internal/external remedies, and supervisory responsibilities, with specific standards for interactive and anonymous question features in online sessions. Employers must maintain records of training completion for five years. The law applies to all employers in Massachusetts, with tailored examples required for businesses with 100+ employees.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1317) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to suicide prevention signage at construction site workplaces. Labor and Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1983) modifies alimony rules for existing court orders issued before March 1, 2012, directly affecting current alimony recipients and payors. It prohibits courts from modifying alimony without both parties' consent if they previously agreed in writing that the alimony "survives" or is "not modifiable." The bill also establishes that cohabitation by the recipient spouse (living together with another person in a shared residence for 3+ months) is a material change justifying modification, with courts considering factors like economic interdependence or community perception. Additionally, it allows payors to seek modification upon reaching full retirement age, though courts may extend alimony for "good cause" with written findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1998) amends Massachusetts law to change how alimony payments are calculated in divorce cases. It adds specific rules: if alimony is federally tax deductible, it remains based on income; if not, it must be set based on the recipient’s need or 23-28% of the difference between the spouses’ gross incomes. The bill directly affects divorcing couples in Massachusetts whose alimony is being determined or modified. It provides clearer, concrete guidelines for courts to use when setting alimony amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1434) prohibits research institutions and product testing facilities in Massachusetts from separating infant nonhuman primates (NHPs) from their biological mothers for research, experimentation, or product testing. The rule applies to all infant NHPs (e.g., monkeys) during their first 12 months of life, with exceptions only for immediate medical necessity to protect the health of either the infant or mother. Facilities must minimize distress during any temporary separation and reunite mothers and infants as quickly as possible unless medical care requires delay. The law requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create implementing regulations within 90 days of the bill’s passage.

Maddy summarySD 1802 strengthens wage theft protections by requiring employers to provide new written wage notices to employees within 10 days of hire, detailing pay rates, benefits, and company details. It establishes joint liability for lead contractors, labor contractors, and subcontractors when wage theft occurs, meaning all can be held responsible. The Attorney General gains expanded power to file civil actions for unpaid wages, seeking triple damages and attorney fees, and can pursue injunctive relief. The bill also ensures unemployment benefits are calculated as if wages were properly paid when wage theft is proven during the benefit period. It directly affects employers, contractors, and employees in Massachusetts.

Maddy summarySD 1108 creates new procedures for addressing animal neglect in Massachusetts. It defines "neglected" as depriving animals of food, water, shelter, or causing unnecessary suffering, and gives animal control officers, police, and certain nonprofits the authority to intervene. Authorities can immediately remove animals in emergencies or file court petitions seeking care orders, seizure, or forfeiture - requiring hearings within 10 days and prohibiting fees for petitions. The law ensures courts consider veterinary care, community standards, and past records when determining neglect, and mandates owners pay for care only if found responsible. This directly affects animal owners, shelters, and enforcement agencies by standardizing humane intervention steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' prevailing wage laws to cover offsite fabrication work for public construction projects. It directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and workers involved in custom plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and sheet metal systems (like piping or ductwork) made offsite for public projects. Key provisions require contractors to report detailed payroll information weekly, including the fabrication location, worker names, occupations, hours, and wages paid. The law ensures these offsite workers receive the same wage rates and reporting standards as on-site construction labor under existing public works rules.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 298) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to provide additional entertainment choices for the residents and visitors of the commonwealth, promote tourism, and provide additional revenues through the authorization of the playing of certain games at facilities known as cardrooms which are to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 229) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to further regulate thoroughbred breeding. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.