Sen. Vanna Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new technical advisory committee to identify communities with high exposure to traffic-related air pollution and establish specific definitions for pollutants like black carbon and ultrafine particles. The Department of Environmental Protection is required to install at least eight new air monitors in these identified hotspots by June 2026 and make the data publicly available. Additionally, the law mandates that the department establish baseline air quality measurements for these areas by June 2027 to better track pollution levels. These changes directly affect residents living near major highways and aim to improve air quality monitoring in areas burdened by pollution.

March 11, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1382) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Vanna Howard, Sal N. DiDomenico, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2131) of Christine P. Barber, Mike Connolly and others for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by pollution, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2682).

By Representative Owens of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3394) of Steven Owens, Vanna Howard and Steven Ultrino relative to fees and fines assessed on EZ-Pass account holders. Transportation.

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3269) of Natalie M. Blais and Vanna Howard for legislation to allow farmers to operate all-terrain vehicles for short distances on public ways. Transportation.

By Representative Ultrino of Malden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3457) of Steven Ultrino and Vanna Howard for legislation to authorize Massachusetts fallen firefighter memorial motorcycle license plates. Transportation.

By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Armini of Marblehead, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3392) of Steven Owens, Jennifer Balinsky Armini and others relative to the electrification of commuter rail lines of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Transportation.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2532) of Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to include certain police officers disabled by cardiac disease in the heart law, so-called. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and colleges in Massachusetts to print the contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on all student identification cards. The law applies to students in grades 6 through 12 in public and charter schools, as well as to students at public and private higher education institutions. It mandates that the phone and text numbers be included on both new cards and replacements for lost or damaged cards. Schools and universities have until July 1, 2023, to comply, though they are allowed to use up existing stock of non-compliant cards before issuing new ones.