Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a work-related injury for specific first responders and correctional employees in Massachusetts. It applies to police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, airport workers, military firefighters, and prison staff who passed a physical exam before joining but later develop PTSD diagnosed by a mental health professional within five years of leaving service. Under this law, these workers would be presumed to have suffered their condition in the line of duty unless evidence proves it was caused by non-work factors, thereby granting them access to disability or death benefits. The legislation also clarifies that PTSD resulting from standard personnel actions like transfers or layoffs does not qualify for these presumptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal category for firefighters and related emergency personnel in Massachusetts to receive disability or death benefits specifically for Parkinson's disease. It establishes a presumption that the disease was caused by service in the line of duty, provided the individual passed a physical exam before symptoms appeared and has served for at least five years. The law applies to paid firefighters, state police fire investigators and K9 units, and specific airport and military fire crews who were employed at least five years prior to the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave law to update the definitions of "covered business entity" and "covered contract worker." It specifically changes the criteria for a covered business entity to include any business where at least 50% of its workforce consists of independent contractors or service providers rather than traditional employees. Additionally, it clarifies that a covered contract worker is an independent contractor for whom an employer must pay contributions to the state's Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes directly affect businesses and workers by expanding or refining who qualifies for benefits under the state's paid leave program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts prevailing wage laws to include offsite fabrication work for public projects, ensuring that workers building components like pipes, wiring, and modular units at factories receive the same wage protections as those working on construction sites. It defines offsite fabrication as non-standard items produced specifically for a project and mandates that contractors submit weekly certified payroll records detailing employee wages, hours, and the specific location where the work was performed. By applying existing penalties and reporting requirements to these offsite activities, the legislation aims to standardize labor standards across both on-site construction and off-site manufacturing processes for qualified public works.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify how payments for court officers injured on duty should be treated. It specifies that these injury-related payments must be made at the same times and in the same way as regular salaries. By doing so, the legislation ensures that these funds are considered part of the officer's standard compensation for all legal purposes. The change directly affects court officers who receive benefits due to work-related injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies bidding on Massachusetts state contracts over $50,000 to disclose any federal workplace safety violations from the past four years. It mandates that bidders report citations, penalties, or settlement agreements related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and provide proof that identified hazards have been fixed. Contractors must also require their subcontractors to submit similar safety records and update this information every six months during the project. Additionally, the law applies to trench excavation permits, requiring applicants to reveal any recent safety violations or permit suspensions. State agencies will use this information to evaluate contractor responsibility and may refer unresolved safety issues to appropriate authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to clarify how survivor benefits are distributed to Option (d) beneficiaries of public service retirement plans. It allows members to nominate eligible individuals to receive a portion of their potential retirement allowance if they die before retiring. The law specifies that if multiple beneficiaries are chosen, the benefit amount is calculated based on the youngest beneficiary's age, and any share left by a deceased beneficiary is split equally among the survivors. These changes directly affect public employees and their families who rely on these specific retirement options.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects local government retirees in Massachusetts from having their health insurance premiums increased if their employer raises the contribution percentage. Specifically, it prevents a retiree's premium rate from automatically jumping to a higher level if the employer decides to contribute a larger share of the cost. The law applies to any local governmental unit that approves such an increase in the employer's contribution. Effective January 1, 2023, the measure ensures that retirees locked into their current premium rates are not affected by subsequent changes to the employer's payment share.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to officially include 911 emergency telecommunicators in the state's Heart Bill. The change requires that these call center operators be counted alongside other first responders, such as firefighters and police, when calculating the number of people who can receive state-funded heart health benefits. By adding this specific group to the legal text, the legislation ensures they are recognized as eligible recipients of the program's resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally include certified emergency telecommunicators in the list of essential workers eligible for specific protections under state regulations. It directly affects full-time dispatchers, supervisors, communications center directors, and chiefs who are certified by the state 911 Department. The key provision adds these roles to a legal definition previously limited to hospital staff, ensuring they receive the same statutory recognition. This change clarifies the legal status of 911 professionals without altering their daily duties or pay structures.