Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summarySD 2445 requires the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to provide The Ride transportation service to residents living within 25 miles of Boston for medical trips to the city. This directly affects individuals in communities near Boston who need transportation to medical appointments. The bill mandates the MBTA to cover these costs, with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board responsible for reimbursing the MBTA. The policy change expands access to medical transportation under The Ride program, funded through state health insurance resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 2305) requires Massachusetts gas distribution and transmission companies to develop and submit detailed "just transition" plans to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must ensure workforce retention, training, and safety during the shift to clean energy, including maintaining staffing levels as of January 1, 2025 (except through negotiated early retirement), and outlining how companies will train workers for renewable energy roles. Companies must report on workforce development, cross-training, pension solvency, and measures to prevent job displacement through 2050 or until gas pipeline retirement. The bill directly affects all gas companies operating in Massachusetts and mandates compliance with new service quality standards for safety, reliability, and workforce transition.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 356) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to ensure ensuring student representation, Aidan's Law. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires non-utility contractors repairing gas or electric pipelines on public infrastructure (like roads or sidewalks) to follow specific labor laws and obtain local wage standards from the Department of Labor every six months. It also mandates that gas and electric utilities request these wage rates for each municipality they work in. Within one year, the Department of Labor must create rules for a certification program ensuring contractors and workers meet training standards for pipeline repairs. The bill directly affects contractors performing pipeline work on public infrastructure and utilities managing those projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas companies to implement safety measures before construction or excavation projects that could affect natural gas infrastructure. Specifically, gas companies must survey for Grade 1 or Grade 2 leaks, ensure shut-off valves have gate boxes or equivalent safety measures, verify valves are operational and accessible, and provide written confirmation to municipalities. Failure to verify valve safety before work starts or to submit required documentation incurs fines up to $10,000 for safety lapses or $200 per day for missing reports. The bill directly affects gas companies operating in Massachusetts, mandating specific pre-work safety protocols for public safety. It focuses on preventing accidental gas line damage during construction by requiring proactive inspections and documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires providers to obtain a license before using graduated electronic decelerators to alter behavior for individuals with disabilities. It directly affects facilities and practitioners who currently use such devices on people with disabilities, including children and families served by disability programs. The key provision establishes a licensing requirement, mandating that any entity or person employing these devices must meet specific qualifications set by the state. The bill aims to regulate the use of these devices through formal oversight, without banning them outright.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that constitutional officers (such as the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State) are the direct employers for collective bargaining purposes for employees under their jurisdiction. It directly affects state employees working for these elected officials' offices by designating the officers themselves - not other state entities - as the bargaining employers. The key provision resolves ambiguity about employer status, requiring unions to negotiate directly with the constitutional officer's office rather than a broader state agency. This change streamlines collective bargaining processes for these specific state employees.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2142) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to discourage employers from closing call centers and customer service operations in the Commonwealth and relocating overseas, and for other purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2141) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation relative to amend certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 644) of Michael O. Moore, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court relative to pesticides. Environment and Natural Resources.