Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Massachusetts legislature to formally request that the U.S. Congress call a convention to propose changes to the U.S. Constitution. The proposal specifically seeks to limit the influence of corporations in politics by clarifying that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons and to reinstate restrictions on campaign spending and donations. If Congress does not act within six months, the bill would automatically serve as a continuing petition to trigger the constitutional convention process alongside similar requests from other states.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2460) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul R. Feeney and William Francis Galvin, for legislation to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation. Elder Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to establish specific safety rules for the operation of drones, affecting both recreational flyers and commercial users. It requires all drone operators to be at least 16 years old, register their aircraft with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot certificate, and keep the drone within visual line of sight at all times. The legislation also prohibits flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol and restricts commercial takeoffs and landings near sensitive locations such as schools, parks, airports, and critical infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to perform a noise study on Interstate-495 in Foxborough. The study will measure sound levels near the South Grove and Grove Street neighborhoods using an acoustical engineer hired by the department. Once completed, the findings and recommendations must be submitted to state transportation officials by June 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to form a working group that will study how to clean up, repair, and reopen a closed visitor information center located on Interstate 95 in Mansfield. The working group is tasked with creating a detailed plan that addresses specific needs such as removing debris, rebuilding restrooms, adding vehicle charging stations, and determining how the site can be used to promote local tourism. The group must also evaluate staffing requirements, potential funding sources, and how to partner with regional tourism organizations to operate the facility. All findings and recommendations from this study must be submitted to the state legislature by June 1, 2024, without the bill mandating immediate construction or funding at this time.

By Representative Straus of Mattapoisett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3435) of William M. Straus relative to the prevention of wrong-way driving. Transportation.

Senate, February 29, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to healthy youth (Senate, No. 2692) (being the text of Senate, No. 2686, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave Law by changing how it defines covered businesses and contract workers. It specifically affects employers and independent contractors by adjusting the criteria used to determine who qualifies for the program. Under the new rules, a business is considered covered if more than half of its workforce consists of individuals who are not classified as employees under state law. Additionally, the definition of a covered contract worker is revised to include anyone for whom an employer must make required contributions to the state's Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes aim to clarify eligibility requirements for workers and businesses participating in the paid leave system.

By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2522) of Sean Garballey, Daniel Cahill and others relative to Parkinson's disease disability and death of certain firefighters and other public safety officers in the contributory retirement plan for public employees. Public Service.