Sen. Nick Collins

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals an existing law that required civil process fees to be deposited into a specific state account. It directly affects county sheriffs and the courts by removing the mandatory deposit requirement for these fees. The change allows these fees to be handled differently than before, though the bill does not specify the new procedure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the fees charged by sheriffs and other officials for serving legal documents in Massachusetts civil cases. It directly affects defendants receiving court papers and the law enforcement officers who deliver them. Under the new rules, serving a standard document like a summons or subpoena costs $30 per defendant, while serving a divorce complaint or any document requiring personal delivery costs $45 per defendant. These changes replace previous fee structures to establish clear, uniform rates for these specific types of service.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil cause of action in Massachusetts to address the malicious sharing of personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. It allows individuals to sue anyone who knowingly disseminates their private data with the specific intent to cause harassment, stalking, or physical harm to them or their family members. To succeed in such a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the information was shared without consent and that the act posed an imminent threat or resulted in actual harm. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, they may receive monetary damages, court orders to stop the behavior, and reimbursement for legal fees. The law also defines "personal information" broadly to include details that could reveal an individual's location or contact details, while explicitly protecting sensitive categories like gender-affirming and reproductive health care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to require a fresh, complete review of certain disciplinary decisions made by the Board of Registration of Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Specifically, it mandates that appeals for suspensions longer than two weeks or total decertifications be examined de novo, meaning the reviewing body will consider the case anew rather than just reviewing the original decision. The change directly affects licensed mental health professionals facing severe disciplinary actions and the administrative bodies responsible for overseeing their conduct. By ensuring a full re-examination of these serious cases, the legislation aims to strengthen procedural fairness within the existing legal framework for professional licensing.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations within the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety to oversee the safety and licensing of equipment used for lifting and moving heavy loads. The six-member board will be appointed by the governor and includes representatives from public utilities, construction contractors, safety trainers, federal safety experts, and operating engineers to ensure diverse perspectives. The board will develop rules for classifying machinery and set specific criteria for issuing, renewing, or revoking licenses for apprentice operators, requiring them to work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Additionally, the legislation establishes that violations of federal or state safety regulations can lead to the denial or suspension of these licenses.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by resolve) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins relative to reviving and continuing the special commission established (pursuant to section 53 of Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2022) to study and examine the transportation, resiliency, infrastructure and multi-modal needs of the regional corridor of Morrissey boulevard in the city of Boston. Transportation.

Senate, May 23, 2024 -- Text of amendment (802) (offered by Senator Montigny) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 4) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers. Public Service.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by resolve) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins relative to reviving and continuing the special commission established (pursuant to section 52 of Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2022) to study and examine the transportation, resiliency, infrastructure and multi-modal needs of the South Boston Waterfront and South Boston community in the city of Boston, as designated by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Boston Planning and Development Agency. Transportation.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill,) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to Admiral David G. Farragut Park. Environment and Natural Resources.