Sen. Bruce Tarr

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2441) of Bruce E. Tarr, Sally P. Kerans and Kristin E. Kassner (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local approval received]

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (133) (offered by Senator Tarr) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program to support the recruitment and retention of primary care staff at community health centers across Massachusetts. The initiative provides loan repayment assistance to eligible clinicians and bachelor's degree-level mental health or primary care professionals, with a specific focus on increasing workforce diversity. To qualify, individuals must have outstanding educational debt, work full-time at a community health center, and commit to a four-year contract with the state. The program is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and will be funded using existing state reserves for behavioral health and primary care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to update the terminology and fees for obtaining transcripts of court proceedings. It replaces the term "stenographer" with "transcriber" and changes references from singular to plural to reflect modern recording methods. The legislation also adjusts specific costs, such as increasing the fee for notes and audio recordings from $3 to $5 and raising the price for rush service from $4.50 to $7.50. These changes directly affect individuals and organizations that request official records from the courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting rape cases indefinitely if DNA evidence matches the suspect. It directly affects victims of rape who may wish to pursue legal action years after the crime occurred, even if the standard 15-year time limit has passed. The key mechanism requires that a DNA match between the victim and the accused must be established before the prosecution timeline is removed. This change aims to provide more opportunities for justice in cases where DNA evidence becomes available long after the incident.

By Representative Walsh of Peabody and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2683) of Thomas P. Walsh and Bruce E. Tarr relative to providing the next of kin of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty with the flags of the Commonwealth and the United States. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Harmony Commission to examine how the state handles care and protection cases for children. The commission will be composed of judges, lawyers, government officials, and community representatives, including individuals with personal experience in the foster care system. Its main task is to review current laws and practices to find ways that better protect the rights and well-being of children, while also considering the impact on families and parents. The group will specifically look at how the system affects children from diverse backgrounds and will study issues like sibling visitation rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide the next of kin of Massachusetts police officers, firefighters, and other peace officers killed or injured in the line of duty with both a U.S. flag and a state flag. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts would cover the cost of these flags during the memorial service for the fallen officer. This change applies to sworn officers from city and town departments, the state police, and any other peace officers within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to include hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator training in their health or physical education curricula for grades 9 through 12. The law mandates that every student participate in this instruction as a graduation requirement, though students with a physician's note or a parent's written objection may be exempted. School districts must choose a free training program modeled after guidelines from a nationally recognized CPR organization and ensure it includes hands-on practice for each student. The new requirements are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.

By Representatives Doherty of Taunton and Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2501) of Carol A. Doherty, Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to providing for Group 4 retirement benefits for police officers working on public higher education campuses. Public Service.