Sen. Robyn Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill proposes to raise the state minimum wage to $20.00 per hour and establish a mechanism for future annual adjustments based on inflation. It applies to both public and private employers across the Commonwealth, ensuring that wage increases maintain employee purchasing power over time. The legislation also clarifies that paying an oppressive or unreasonable wage is against public policy, making such employment contracts legally void. By setting a specific dollar amount and a formula for future hikes, the bill aims to align the minimum wage more closely with a living wage without requiring new legislative action each year.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands access to abortion care by broadening the definition of who can perform these procedures to include all licensed health care providers, not just physicians. It removes the requirement for a 24-hour waiting period and clarifies that conscientious objection is invalid if an abortion is necessary to save a patient's life and no other staff are available. The legislation also updates terminology throughout state laws to refer to "abortion-related care" and requires informed consent forms to be available in multiple languages.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to adjust the maximum annual benefit amount for public retirees receiving pension supplements. It replaces a fixed dollar limit of $18,000 with a new calculation based on 85 percent of the maximum Social Security benefit available to a worker retiring at full age. The change directly affects public employees who rely on these state-funded benefits to supplement their retirement income. By linking the cap to Social Security rather than a static figure, the legislation ensures the benefit limit adjusts automatically with changes in Social Security payouts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special legislative commission to audit how Massachusetts funds programs aimed at preventing gun violence. The commission will be made up of members from grassroots and community-based organizations in areas most affected by gun violence. Its investigation will examine specific state grants and initiatives, track where money has been spent by neighborhood, and identify which communities have suffered the most from gun violence. Within 180 days, the group must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to various state committees and officials.

Senate, July 22, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill establishing a special commission to review the adequacy and equity of the Massachusetts school building program (Senate, No. 2659),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2885).

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 251) of Brendan P. Crighton, Michael J. Barrett and Peter Capano for legislation to modernize school construction; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 278) of Barry R. Finegold, Adam Scanlon and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish a special commission to study the effectiveness of the Massachusetts School Building Authority; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 295) of John F. Keenan for legislation to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 309) of Jason M. Lewis, Rebecca L. Rausch and Kate Lipper-Garabedian for legislation to establish a special commission to review the adequacy and equity of the Massachusetts school building program; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 331) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide school building assistance for Special Education Collaboratives; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 359) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to school districts in receivership and the Massachusetts School Building Authority; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 431) of Bruce J. Ayers relative to technology upgrade programs for public schools; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 441) of Daniel Cahill relative to school construction; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 553) of Edward R. Philips relative to the feasibility of ergonomically designed school buildings and its beneficial impact on students and faculty; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 568) of Adam Scanlon, Barry R. Finegold and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the effectiveness of the Massachusetts School Building Authority; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 569) of Adam Scanlon, Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to providing for school building assistance for special education collaboratives; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 606) of Marcus S. Vaughn and Ryan C. Fattman relative to School Building Advisory Board funding, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2659).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new independent office dedicated to overseeing structural racism within Massachusetts correctional facilities. The office will collect and analyze detailed data on incarcerated people and staff, breaking down information by race, ethnicity, gender, and other demographics to monitor daily operations. Its primary goal is to track progress in dismantling systemic racial inequalities identified by a previous legislative commission. By creating this independent oversight body, the legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how the justice system treats Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (210) (offered by Senator Timilty) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development

Senate, July 11, 2024 -- Text of amendment (351) (offered by Senator Lewis) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2856) to the Senate Bill relative to economic development

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to transfer two specific land parcels, originally part of the Lancaster Industrial School for Girls, to the town of Bolton. The land includes a section of the former school campus and a dam located near the town line, which the town may acquire through a purchase agreement, lease, or other arrangement. If the town fails to complete the acquisition by the end of 2024, the state retains the right to sell or lease the land to other parties through a competitive bidding process. The transfer includes conditions requiring the land to be used for general municipal purposes, with a clause allowing the state to reclaim the property if it is no longer used for those purposes. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for determining fair market value, handling potential liabilities related to the land's condition, and managing any future easements or access rights.