Sen. John Velis

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts' veterans' bonus program by defining specific conflict periods (like World War II, the Korean Emergency, and the Persian Gulf War) and revising eligibility rules. It removes a requirement that veterans must have lived in Massachusetts for six months before service, instead requiring the veteran to reside in the state. The bill also expands eligibility to include veterans currently serving and those discharged under less than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. Additionally, it repeals outdated laws related to veterans' bonuses that were no longer in use.

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1895) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Ryan C. Fattman, Paul W. Mark, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide equity to police officers disabled by cardiac disease. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Greg Heath, a former Westfield firefighter, to retire early due to Parkinson's Disease determined to be caused by his firefighting duties. It requires medical certification that his condition is permanent, job-related, and incapacitating, though it waives the medical exam if he already receives disability benefits. The law took effect September 26, 2020, specifically for Heath’s retirement under Chapter 32.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a commission on acupuncture and wellness to study how to better integrate acupuncture into Massachusetts healthcare, focusing on pain management, substance abuse treatment, and wellness. It mandates that all health insurance policies, hospital service plans, and health maintenance contracts cover acupuncture for specific conditions including pain management, PTSD, substance abuse, and nausea. The bill also requires insurers to reimburse licensed acupuncturists and medical doctors equally for acupuncture services, prohibiting different payment rates based on provider type. This affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients seeking acupuncture coverage for these conditions.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 460) of John C. Velis and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation to establish an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program. Education.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 495) of John C. Velis, Paul K. Frost, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program. Elder Affairs.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1784) of John C. Velis and Michael J. Finn for legislation to increase safety in highways work zones by implementing work zone speed cameras. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1782) of John C. Velis for legislation to require schools to develop critical response maps. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summarySD 1078 requires all public school districts in Massachusetts to establish a naloxone (Narcan) overdose prevention program. Specifically, it mandates that every school nurse must be trained in naloxone assistance and have naloxone available in the nurse's office. The bill also directs schools to offer optional, extracurricular training on administering naloxone nasal spray to secondary students, delivered by qualified individuals following nationally recognized standards. This law directly affects school nurses, administrators, and secondary students in public schools across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to provide a one-time $300,000 death benefit to families of public employees killed while performing their duties. It expands eligibility beyond "public safety employees" to include all public employees working for state/county government, public schools, universities, municipalities, or public authorities. The bill broadens the definition of "public employee" in related sections to ensure all qualifying workers are covered. This changes the existing benefit structure by standardizing the payment amount and extending coverage to a wider range of public sector workers.