Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill updates the legal definition of fraud within public construction bidding to help ensure fair competition for government projects. It requires bidders to explicitly certify that their bids contain no intentional misrepresentations, omissions, or false statements, while also clarifying that the term "person" includes various business entities and joint ventures. The legislation further defines "fraud" as a knowingly false or misleading statement about a material fact intended to deceive, and it revises the definition of a "responsible" bidder to emphasize necessary skill, ability, and integrity. These changes directly affect construction companies and individuals submitting bids for state contracts by establishing clearer standards for honesty and accountability in the bidding process.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the pension calculation for Walter L. Guertin, a former employee of the Attleboro Retirement Board, by mandating that his retirement allowance be based on thirty-two years of service. The legislation overrides previous state laws regarding his specific case and requires the board to calculate his benefit as if he had thirty-two years of creditable service as of his retirement date in November 2017. Additionally, the act directs the board to pay any back wages owed to Guertin from the date of his retirement until the bill becomes law.

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3090) of Samantha Montaño, Jason M. Lewis and Hannah Kane for the annual issuance of a proclamation by the Governor setting apart the month of September as polycystic ovary syndrome awareness month. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Baby Bonds Trust Fund to help children born on or after July 1, 2024, who receive state cash assistance or are in state care, build wealth through education, home purchases, or business investments. The state treasurer will manage the fund, which can accept public and private donations, and will provide investment options specifically for these designated beneficiaries. To oversee the program, the bill establishes an advisory board that includes state officials and community representatives to set policies, prevent fraud, and ensure the fund supports communities disproportionately affected by the racial wealth gap.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid leave policy in Massachusetts that allows employees to take up to 10 days of paid time off each calendar year for pregnancy loss or related fertility issues. The leave is intended for individuals experiencing miscarriage, failed assisted reproductive procedures, unsuccessful adoptions, failed surrogacy arrangements, or other fertility-related diagnoses, as well as for those caring for a spouse or domestic partner facing these circumstances. Employers must pay employees their regular rate of pay and maintain their benefits during this time, though the bill exempts companies that already offer sufficient leave under similar conditions. The legislation also requires the state labor department to track the percentage of claims made for this specific type of leave and prohibits employers from forcing employees to find replacements while on leave.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes public agencies in Massachusetts to require Project Labor Agreements for specific construction projects. A Project Labor Agreement is a pre-hire contract that sets employment terms for all workers on a project, regardless of which union they belong to. Public agencies can choose to use these agreements on a case-by-case basis if they believe it will improve project efficiency, safety, and workforce development. The law defines key terms such as "construction," "labor organization," and "lead construction firm" to clarify how these agreements apply to public works. Ultimately, the bill gives government entities the discretion to decide whether to mandate these agreements based on the specific needs of each project.

Senate, October 30, 2023 -- The committee on Health Care Financing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 732) of John J. Cronin for legislation to promote comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 749) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to define modest meals and refreshments in prescriber education settings; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 778) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Mark C. Montigny and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to coverage for chronic illness; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 797) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 619) of Nicholas A. Boldyga relative to establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1176) of Edward F. Coppinger and others relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1201) of Kate Hogan relative to the pricing of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1205) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the Health Policy Commission and health insurers create listings of certain high cost prescription drugs and that the Attorney General require drug manufacturers to provide information to justify increases in costs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1206) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to contracts between the MassHealth program and pharmaceutical benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1215) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to pharmacy benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1246) of William M. Straus relative to drug prices paid by carriers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1247) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Michael J. Soter and David F. DeCoste relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2492).

Maddy summaryThis bill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans in Massachusetts who have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have served under honorable conditions, while the property must be their primary residence. The exemption covers a percentage of the home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating, with the state covering the resulting tax loss by reimbursing local municipalities. Additionally, the benefit extends to the surviving spouse if they continue to own and occupy the home after the veteran passes away.