By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1606) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to require AEDs in clubs and fraternal organizations and that mandatory training be provided to all staff and members. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1600) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to the safety of Autistic and Alzheimer's individuals. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends previous legislation to clarify that the Municipal Light Board of the Town of Hull holds full authority over the operation, management, and control of the town's municipal light plant. Specifically, it grants the board the power to make policy decisions and hire or fire the plant manager, subject to existing labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. The measure ensures that these new powers do not interfere with current legal contracts or obligations.
Maddy summarySD 1113 provides paid family and medical leave for all educators employed by Massachusetts school districts or education collaboratives. The bill specifically defines these educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for leave purposes. School districts will fund their required contributions to the leave program using existing income surtax revenue (from Chapter 62), not from general operating budgets. This ensures educators can take paid leave for family or medical needs without impacting their employment benefits or health insurance coverage.
Maddy summarySD 919 extends collective bargaining rights to legislative employees in Massachusetts. It defines "legislative employees" to include all staff working for the General Court, such as committee employees, office staff, and information services personnel, while specifying certain roles (like those in the speaker's or president's offices) may be excluded if classified as managerial or confidential. The bill establishes that bargaining units can include most legislative employees, with specific exclusions for defined managerial or confidential positions in key leadership offices. This directly affects hundreds of non-elected staff working within the state legislature.
Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1247) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to criminalize sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3232).
By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Shirley B. Arriaga relative to the sale of parrots. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear guidelines for school library materials in Massachusetts. It requires school staff to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness - not personal views - and sets a formal process for challenging removals: a public hearing must occur before a school committee can remove materials, only if they lack educational value or are inappropriate for students. Schools must create and post written policies following American Library Association standards, and staff cannot face disciplinary action for selections made in good faith. The bill directly affects school libraries, staff, students, and parents involved in material challenges.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1247) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to criminalize sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator. The Judiciary.
