Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts taxpayers to negotiate written agreements with the state to settle tax debts when full payment is not possible. It permits settlements if there is a genuine dispute over the tax amount, doubt about whether the taxpayer can pay, or special circumstances that make strict collection unfair. To qualify, taxpayers must first file all required tax returns, and the state will review settlement offers based on guidelines that ensure the taxpayer can still afford basic living expenses. The law also requires the Attorney General to review any settlement that reduces the debt by $50,000 or more, while preventing officials from rejecting offers simply because the amount is low.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Remembrance Day. The legislation is sponsored by multiple state representatives and aims to honor the lives lost and the challenges faced during the pandemic. By establishing this specific date, the bill creates a formal opportunity for the state to acknowledge the impact of the virus on Massachusetts communities. The measure does not change laws or require new funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to remember those affected by the pandemic.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

March 21, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 266) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to enhance the educational outcomes of expectant and parenting students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 282) of Anne M. Gobi and Steven S. Howitt for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 285) of Adam Gomez and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to dropout prevention and recovery; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 290) of Adam Gomez, Lydia Edwards, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 294) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 300) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to safer schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 305) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to promote safe firearm storage education and increase the well-being of students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 341) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to dropout prevention and student recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 348) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to parental notification in public schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2663).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a student loan repayment program designed to support human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The legislation creates a new section in state law to define eligible providers and set up the framework for offering loan repayments to encourage individuals to enter and remain in the human services field. By providing financial assistance for student loans, the bill aims to address workforce stability and recruitment challenges within these essential community programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates foster parents as public employees for specific legal purposes, granting them the right to collective bargaining with the Department of Children and Families. Under the new provisions, an employee organization representing all licensed foster parents in the state would negotiate on mandatory subjects such as payment rates, training opportunities, and reimbursement procedures for specialized care. While foster parents gain these bargaining rights, the legislation explicitly prohibits them from striking or engaging in work stoppages and clarifies that they remain ineligible for standard state employee benefits like workers' compensation or retirement. The Department of Children and Families is tasked with cooperating with these parents to improve the quality of care provided to children in the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to update the rules for licensing social workers in Massachusetts to ensure fair treatment and clearer pathways for those seeking certification. It modifies existing state laws by removing gendered language, eliminating redundant exam requirements, and creating a new provisional license for applicants who have failed the social work associate exam twice but are within a specific score range. Under the new provisions, individuals granted this provisional license would have one year to complete required professional development and supervision before receiving a full license without needing to retake the exam. The changes directly affect social work applicants, current licensees, and the Board of Social Work Examiners by streamlining the licensure process and standardizing terminology.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services the right to collectively bargain by officially designating the committee as their employer under state labor laws. It achieves this by amending Chapter 150E to include the committee in the legal definition of a public employer and by adding the committee to the list of state agencies eligible for collective bargaining agreements. These changes allow the committee's staff to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions through a formal union process similar to other public sector employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new student loan repayment program in Massachusetts designed to support human services workers who have earned degrees or certificates. To qualify, employees of designated community-based organizations must work at least 35 hours per week and have completed 12 consecutive months of employment in the field. The program prioritizes applicants with lower salaries, bilingual skills, or experience in direct care, offering up to $30,000 in loan repayment assistance depending on the applicant's highest degree. The executive office of health and human services will manage the program using guidelines set by the department of higher education.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program to assist property owners in addressing health and safety hazards like mold, lead, and pests in their residential buildings. It establishes a dedicated fund that can be financed through state appropriations, interest earnings, and voluntary contributions from private entities and individuals. The program defines specific categories of eligible applicants, including owner-occupants, small landlords, and larger landlords, who must own properties with identified habitability concerns. Additionally, the legislation requires the state department to coordinate with existing organizations that provide home repair services and allows the department to contract with these groups to administer the program.