By Representative Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2560) of Vanna Howard relative to certain public employee retirement system option B and option C retirees. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in Massachusetts serving students in grades six through twelve to provide free disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, in school restrooms. The law mandates that these items be available at no cost to students and must be distributed in a way that avoids stigmatizing anyone who uses them. School districts are authorized to adjust the quantity of products based on usage rates to ensure adequate supply. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on August 1, 2023.
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 improve emergency housing support for children and families in Massachusetts who are experiencing homelessness. It requires the state department to provide immediate shelter on the same day a family applies, as long as the family declares they have no other housing options. The law also mandates that shelter rooms be private with separate doors and lighting control for each family, and it prohibits denials based on a lack of verified documentation. Additionally, the bill ensures that staff can quickly access necessary databases to process applications without delay.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to make child support enforcement more family-centered by clarifying when parents can avoid penalties for not cooperating with support agencies. It specifically allows individuals receiving public assistance to refuse paternity establishment or support orders if there is a risk of physical or emotional harm, the child was conceived through rape or incest, or cooperation would discourage other relatives from maintaining a relationship with the child. Additionally, the bill ensures that the first $500 of monthly child support collected for a family is excluded from income calculations when determining benefit eligibility. Finally, it restricts the state's child support agency from providing paternity services in cases where the individual is not legally required to cooperate.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to evaluate the state's refugee resettlement infrastructure and recommend ways to improve long-term integration. The commission will be composed of at least 18 members, including state officials, representatives from refugee service organizations, employers, and individuals with personal refugee experience. Its primary task is to investigate current gaps in housing, healthcare, education, and employment support, while also analyzing how recent federal program changes have affected local resources. The group must submit a report with findings and potential new laws or regulations to the state legislature and governor within one year of the bill taking effect.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2528) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to the presumption for disability or death cause by contagious diseases. Public Service.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2550) of James K. Hawkins and Vanna Howard relative to the employment of retired firefighters as training instructors by the Department of Fire Services. Public Service.
By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2578) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to further regulating group insurance benefits for state employees and retired state employees. Public Service.
By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2594) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., and others relative to a post-traumatic stress disorder presumption for certain retirement benefits. Public Service.
