Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "status as a victim of abusive behavior" to Massachusetts' anti-discrimination protections in employment. It directly affects employees and job applicants experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping (as defined in the bill), requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations like schedule changes, safety modifications, or workplace access adjustments. Employers must engage in a good-faith interactive process to find suitable accommodations and cannot discriminate against someone who requests them. The law also mandates written notice of these rights to all employees and new hires, and requires the state commission to develop educational materials about these protections within 180 days.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2125) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to language access and inclusion. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 2207) requires annual cost-of-living adjustments for veterans' benefits under Chapter 59 of Massachusetts General Laws. It directly affects veterans receiving benefits specified in Section 5 of that chapter by tying their payments to the Commonwealth's average cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year. The key provision replaces previous adjustment methods with an automatic, annual update based on the state's calculated COLA, ensuring benefits keep pace with local inflation. This change applies specifically to veterans' benefits funded under the referenced section, without altering eligibility or benefit amounts otherwise.

Senate, October 6, 2025 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2125) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to language access and inclusion, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2622).

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1895) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Ryan C. Fattman, Paul W. Mark, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide equity to police officers disabled by cardiac disease. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify that the state's commander in chief cannot order National Guard personnel on state duty to violate the state constitution or Massachusetts laws. It specifically modifies Chapter 33, Section 42 to reinforce that National Guard actions during state active duty must comply with state legal requirements. The change is procedural and affects state military command authority, not specific individuals or new policies.

Maddy summarySD 1169 amends Massachusetts' paid family medical leave law to improve employer notification and reporting. It requires employers to inform employees (including covered contract workers) within five business days about their eligibility for paid leave when leave is requested or known. The bill also adds detailed reporting requirements for the state, including demographic data on claimants, processing times, benefit amounts, and metrics on private plan performance. Additionally, it mandates an annual public education campaign about the law, with outreach materials in multiple languages and evidence of distribution. These changes directly affect Massachusetts employees, contract workers, and employers covered by the paid leave program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' paid family medical leave law by redefining two key terms. It changes "covered business entity" to mean a business where 50% or more of the workforce consists of contracted workers (not employees under current law). It also redefines "covered contract worker" as a non-employee for whom an employer must pay into the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes directly affect businesses using significant numbers of contract workers and those contract workers, expanding their eligibility for paid family medical leave under the law. The policy change clarifies which employers and workers qualify for the state's paid leave program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers on private construction projects exceeding $750,000 to post specific transparency information at job sites. It applies to residential developments with over 10 units or commercial/industrial projects over 5,000 square feet. Key provisions mandate posting: (1) a compliance certificate showing current contributions to worker benefits, (2) workers' compensation carrier details and coverage status, and (3) a sign-in/out log tracking all workers' names, signatures, trade licenses, and arrival/departure times. Employers must provide these records to the Attorney General upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to add "Air Medal" as a recognized military award for license plate designations. It directly affects veterans who have earned the Air Medal by providing them with a specific license plate option. The key provision inserts "Air Medal" into existing sections of the law that list military honors eligible for plate recognition, alongside the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a procedural change to expand military recognition plate choices without altering other laws or creating new benefits.