Sen. Nick Collins

March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).

By Representative Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3515) of Meghan Kilcoyne and Adam Scanlon relative to providing veteran's preference for certain members of the National Guard or United States military reserves. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3532) of Adam Scanlon, Shirley B. Arriaga and others relative to emergency medical technician certification of veterans and military medics. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Science Advisory Board to help Massachusetts regulate emerging contaminants in public drinking water systems. The board will consist of 13 members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from state agencies, water utilities, and various health and environmental organizations. To regulate a new substance, both the board and the state Department of Environmental Protection must agree that the contaminant poses a health risk and that reducing it is feasible. The board is required to base its decisions on peer-reviewed scientific studies and must provide a detailed analysis explaining which studies it considered and why.

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund to support retired police dogs in Massachusetts. The fund will be managed by the secretary of the executive office of public safety and security and will be financed through state appropriations, grants, gifts, and investment earnings. Money from the fund will be given directly to non-profit organizations within the state to cover the care and medical needs of these retired animals, and the secretary must ensure the funds are used by reputable groups. Each year, the fund administrator must submit a report detailing how much money was received, spent, and remaining to the state legislature and relevant committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends two sections of Massachusetts law to allow deputy sheriffs to enforce regulations regarding waterways, a role currently held by state police. The changes directly affect law enforcement agencies by expanding the authority of deputy sheriffs to participate in waterway protection efforts. By inserting the phrase "by deputy sheriffs" into existing statutes, the legislation formally integrates these local officers into the enforcement framework without altering other operational details.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires police chiefs and sheriffs in Massachusetts to issue citation books to officers who handle traffic duties or direct traffic, while also allowing departments to use electronic citations if the officers are properly trained. The legislation mandates that these officials obtain receipts from officers when issuing citation books and maintain backup books at headquarters for recording violations by officers without books. Additionally, the executive office of public safety and security must create rules to set standards for electronic citation equipment and training. A related change expands the legal definition of "Police Chief" to include the Sheriff of a county, ensuring sheriffs are covered by these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a specific legal category for autocycles, which are three-wheeled vehicles that combine features of motorcycles and bicycles. The legislation aims to clarify how these vehicles should be registered, insured, and operated under current traffic laws. By establishing distinct rules for autocycles, the bill seeks to provide a clearer framework for vehicle owners and law enforcement. The measure has already passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting final approval to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to equalize the pay for correction officers and jail officers working in Massachusetts county sheriff's offices with those employed by the state Department of Correction. It achieves this by reclassifying these local officers into the same job titles and salary grades as their state counterparts, with the salary difference eliminated gradually over three fiscal years. During this transition period, the legislation temporarily exempts these specific officers from collective bargaining negotiations regarding base salaries, though all other labor agreements and duties remain unchanged. Once the three-year adjustment period ends, standard collective bargaining rules for base salaries will fully apply again to these officers.