Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary Middlesex Working Group to study the feasibility and structure of creating a permanent Middlesex Regional Commission for the county's 54 municipalities. The working group would be composed of one representative from each town and city, with the authority to consult experts and hold public meetings to gather input on regional needs. Its primary task is to evaluate how a new commission could address issues like overdevelopment, environmental protection, construction quality, and housing availability while balancing local community values. Upon completing its 12 to 24-month review, the group will submit a report with findings and recommendations to the state legislature regarding the establishment of this supervisory body.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a 36-month ban on installing artificial grass and turf surfaces in Massachusetts, including on outdoor sports fields and parks. The legislation aims to pause these installations to allow the state's environmental agency to conduct a safety evaluation regarding potential contamination from PFAS chemicals and soil cover. During the moratorium, the state would also establish a commission to analyze athletic surface performance before any restrictions are lifted. The measure directly affects municipalities, sports organizations, and park districts that might otherwise install synthetic turf.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new commission in Massachusetts to study the safety and costs of athletic performance surfaces, such as artificial turf and grass, which are used in schools, parks, and other public facilities. The eleven-member commission will include experts from health research, environmental agencies, sports medicine, coaching, and the general public to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these surfaces. Over a period of up to two years, the group will hold public hearings and produce a detailed report offering factual findings and recommendations regarding the long-term public health effects and value of these surfaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires members of Massachusetts political party committees at the state, city, and town levels to take a public oath or affirmation pledging to follow the state constitution and election laws. The oath must be administered by a local official, such as a city clerk or election board chair, during an organizing meeting after the member is elected or appointed. A written record of the oath, including signatures from both the official and the person taking it, must be kept on file with the Secretary of State. The legislation aims to increase transparency and ensure that individuals involved in selecting public election officials formally commit to upholding electoral regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for setting payment rates for workers who provide support services to individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It creates two distinct categories of staff: entry-level workers with minimal experience and more experienced staff who have supervisory duties or advanced training. The legislation requires the state's Department of Developmental Services to use these specific definitions when calculating how much to pay these direct care professionals. By clarifying these roles, the bill aims to ensure that rate-setting processes accurately reflect the different levels of responsibility and skill required in disability support jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election law to limit the number of political party members on the Board of Registrars of Voters. It ensures that no single political party, including city or town clerks, can have more than two representatives on the board. The rule applies to the initial appointment of board members, as well as to future appointments and the filling of any vacancies. This change aims to prevent any one party from holding a majority of seats on the board.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Fund in Massachusetts to finance infrastructure projects that help communities prepare for and respond to climate change impacts. The law defines eligible projects broadly, including coastal protections, upgraded drainage systems, resilient energy grids, and health programs to treat climate-related illnesses. Under the bill, entities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018 would be charged to contribute to this fund based on their historical fossil fuel use. The collected payments would be used to cover the costs of building and maintaining the specified adaptive infrastructure.

Senate, February 15, 2024 --The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 310) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Anne M. Gobi and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to food literacy, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2588).

Senate, February 5, 2024 --The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 253) of Brendan P. Crighton, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Vanna Howard, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the training, assessment, and assignment of qualified school interpreters in educational settings, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2587).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Food Literacy Trust Fund to support food education programs in Massachusetts schools. The fund will be financed through state appropriations, private donations, and federal grants, with money used to develop and implement curriculum focused on understanding food systems, nutrition, and food justice. Additionally, the legislation updates existing laws to require schools to incorporate specific food literacy standards into their math, science, and social studies classes. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide resources and professional development to help schools integrate these lessons into their existing programs.