Maddy summaryThis bill creates a presumption that Parkinson's disease causing disability or death in certain firefighters was incurred "in the line of duty," simplifying eligibility for retirement benefits. It directly affects uniformed firefighters in paid departments, state police in fire investigation/K9 units, and airport crash crew personnel (e.g., at Logan Airport, 104th Fighter Wing, or Joint Base Cape Cod) who served at least five years and regularly responded to fire calls. The presumption applies unless non-service factors (like personal health risks) are proven to have caused the condition. The bill amends retirement laws to include this provision, ensuring affected personnel can access benefits under existing systems without needing to prove service connection.
Sen. John Velis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how police officers and firefighters are treated when granted accidental disability retirement (not based on specific presumptions). It requires that any absence from duty caused by the condition leading to retirement be counted as retroactive leave, not disability retirement. Employers must adjust pay and personnel actions accordingly for the retroactive leave period. The law directly affects eligible first responders who receive this type of retirement under Chapter 32.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1638) of John C. Velis, Jason M. Lewis and Hannah Kane for legislation to create a commission to study endometriosis and other commonly associated diseases. Public Health.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1546) of Adam Gomez, Sal N. DiDomenico, John F. Keenan and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to create a task force to identify, monitor, and remediate indoor air pollution and indoor mold contamination in schools, long term care facilities, correctional facilities, early childhood education facilities, public housing and privately-owned residential buildings. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 360) gives Massachusetts employees the right to take unpaid leave to attend Probate and Family Court for parenting-related matters, including divorce, custody, paternity, and enforcement of court orders. Employees can use existing accrued paid leave (like vacation or sick days) for this purpose if available, but employers aren’t required to provide paid leave where they wouldn’t normally offer it. Employees must give employers at least seven days’ notice if the court appearance is predictable, or as much notice as possible otherwise, and employers may require court documentation. The Attorney General enforces the law, with violations subject to penalties under existing statutes.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 836) of John C. Velis and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to authorize insurance coverage for prosthetic devices and orthotic devices. Financial Services.
By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 780) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services be authorized to establish a hospital to home partnership program. Elder Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state university campuses in Massachusetts to train resident assistants in administering opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and to keep these medications onsite in college housing. It directly affects campus housing staff and students by mandating accessible emergency response tools for suspected opioid overdoses. Key provisions include mandatory training for resident assistants, on-site maintenance of opioid antagonists, and ensuring these resources are available during emergencies for any student or staff on campus housing premises. The law also directs the health and higher education departments to create implementing regulations.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2173) of Liz Miranda and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to designate September as PCOS awareness month. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summarySD 773 allows employees to take unpaid leave to attend Probate and Family Court for parenting-related matters, including divorce, custody, paternity, and enforcement of family court orders. It directly affects employees needing court time for parental rights or responsibilities. The bill permits employees to use accrued paid leave (vacation, personal, or sick leave) instead of unpaid leave, though employers aren't required to provide paid leave where they normally wouldn't. Employees must give employers reasonable notice (7 days if foreseeable) and may need court-related documentation. The Attorney General enforces the law, with violations subject to standard penalties.