Filed by Mr. Feeney -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on Financial Services until December 15, 2026 within which time to make its final report on a certain current Senate document relative to crumbling concrete relief for homeowners.
Maddy summarySD 94 creates new legal protections for victims of abuse in family or household disputes by defining and addressing "controlling and abusive litigation." It allows courts to issue restraining orders against parties who file lawsuits primarily to harass, intimidate, or maintain contact with an abuse victim - after verifying the parties' relationship and prior abuse findings. If found guilty, the court can dismiss the case with prejudice, award the victim court costs and attorney fees, and impose 48-72 months of prefiling restrictions on the offending party. This bill directly affects individuals in domestic disputes where lawsuits are weaponized as tools of abuse, not the broader public.
Filed by Mr. Feeney -- Senate Order relative to granting the committee on Financial Services until July 10, 2026 within which time to make its final report on a certain current Senate document relative to home equity investments.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to ensure fairness in retirement benefits for certain employees of the Department of Correction. Public Service.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1718) of Joan B. Lovely, Vanna Howard, Hannah Kane, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to require health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases unemployment benefits for low-wage workers by changing how benefits are calculated. It sets weekly benefits at 50% of a worker's average weekly wage (capped at 57.5% of the state average wage, with a minimum of 20% or 75% of the worker's own wage, whichever is lower). It reduces the total benefit cap from 30 times the weekly rate to 26 times during periods of low statewide unemployment (below 5.1% in 10 metro areas), while adding protections to prevent benefit reductions if eligibility requirements aren't met. These changes directly affect low-wage workers filing for unemployment during the 2023-2024 benefit year.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2001) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the Massachusetts residence downsizing tax credit. Revenue.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1998) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to advance renewable heating solutions for the Commonwealth. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to use eminent domain to acquire specific land parcels in Norwood owned by MPT of Norwood-Steward, LLC. The acquired land includes Norwood Hospital and any adjacent properties needed to support the project. After acquisition, the Division will transfer control of the land to the Department of Public Health, which will then assign it to a qualified nonprofit hospital operator. The stated goal is to ensure public access to healthcare, and the bill applies specifically to the town of Norwood and the named property owner.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1646) of Nick Collins for legislation to develop a database to collect data on written notices of code violations and fines relative to hot work processes. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
