Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide mattress recycling program in Massachusetts, requiring mattress producers to manage the collection and environmentally sound disposal of discarded mattresses. Under the proposed system, a fee known as a stewardship assessment would be added to the retail price of mattresses to fund the program, ensuring free and accessible collection opportunities for residents across both urban and rural areas. The legislation defines specific terms such as "mattress" and "consumer" to clarify which items are covered and outlines requirements for record-keeping, performance audits, and worker safety for those involved in the recycling process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to establish a formal framework for assessing and improving mattress recycling in Massachusetts. It creates specific definitions for key terms like "covered entities," which include retailers and waste facilities that handle discarded mattresses, and "producer," which refers to companies that manufacture or sell mattresses. The legislation sets up a mattress stewardship fee to fund collection, transport, and processing, while also requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to develop performance goals for recycling rates and public awareness. By clarifying roles and funding mechanisms, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing mattress waste without mandating specific recycling outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the financial and environmental impacts of how mattresses and bed foundations are disposed of in Massachusetts. The commission will examine current recycling options, compare costs for taxpayers and municipalities, and review successful programs in other states to make recommendations for better policies. The panel includes representatives from the state legislature, the governor's office, environmental agencies, and mattress recycling organizations, and it must submit its findings by November 30, 2023.

By Representatives Kane of Shrewsbury and Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2203) of Hannah Kane, Carole A. Fiola and others relative to informed consent for concurrent surgical procedures. Public Health.

By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Hannah Kane and others relative to date labels on food packaging of products. Public Health.

By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2201) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Hannah Kane and others relative to authorizing the Department of Public Health to provide guidance to businesses regarding best practices for food donation. Public Health.

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2192) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to protect patients and healthcare workers from exposure to surgical smoke. Public Health.

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2221) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others that the Department of Public Health establish a voluntary certification training program for care of certain patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth to manage discarded mattresses through environmentally sound practices. It requires mattress producers and retailers to pay a fee, known as a stewardship assessment, which funds a nonprofit organization responsible for collecting and recycling these items. The program mandates that basic collection services be offered to consumers at no cost, while the department of environmental protection oversees program plans and ensures recyclers meet specific performance standards.

Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (2) (offered by Senator Tarr) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act