Sen. John Velis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care employers in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. To achieve this, facilities must conduct annual risk assessments in cooperation with employees and labor unions to identify specific dangers, such as working in public areas or guarding property. The legislation defines workplace violence to include unpermitted touching, attempts to use physical force, or threatening behavior that causes fear of future harm. These measures apply to a wide range of settings, including hospitals and state correctional facilities, while explicitly excluding certain outpatient services like clinics and dialysis centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts property tax laws to clarify when specific tax exemptions take effect for eligible veterans. It requires that exemptions granted under certain clauses begin on the date the veteran receives their official disability letter from the Veterans Administration, rather than a later administrative date. Additionally, the bill directs the Division of Local Services to create rules for handling cases where veterans have already paid property taxes after receiving their disability award. These changes directly affect veterans and the local tax offices responsible for processing their exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the Massachusetts tax credit for landlords who remove lead hazards from their rental properties. Currently, the credit is capped at $1,500, but this legislation would raise that limit to $15,000 per unit. The change is intended to provide greater financial assistance to property owners undertaking lead remediation work. By increasing the available tax credit, the bill aims to encourage more landlords to address lead safety issues in their housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill improves long-term care in Massachusetts by creating a dedicated fund to support workforce training and capital improvements for skilled nursing facilities. The new fund will finance education and stipends for nurses' aides and home health workers, while also offering interest-free loans to help facilities build specialized care units like dementia or behavioral health wings. Additionally, the law clarifies definitions for assisted living services, specifying which medical tasks qualified staff can perform under a doctor's order. An advisory committee involving health officials and labor union representatives will oversee these programs to ensure they meet the needs of both workers and residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow civil service employees to adopt children through the state's standard adoption process. By adding a reference to Chapter 31, the legislation ensures that these public servants are treated the same as other citizens when seeking to adopt. The change removes any potential barriers that might have previously prevented civil servants from participating in the state's adoption system.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to strengthen the state credit union charter by allowing mutual banks and other banking institutions to merge with or convert into credit unions under specific regulatory conditions. It permits these conversions if approved by a two-thirds vote of the involved boards and the state commissioner, with provisions for depositors to become members within two years. Additionally, the legislation expands the investment options for credit unions, including asset-backed securities and investments in organizations providing banking-related services, while also enabling credit unions to merge with savings or cooperative banks.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to provide an additional $30 monthly payment for diapers to recipients of state assistance who have dependent children. The funds are intended to help families purchase essential hygiene products, with the amount allocated per child rather than as a flat sum. The legislation applies to individuals currently receiving benefits under the state's child support and welfare programs. By adding this specific line item to existing laws, the bill creates a direct financial benefit to eligible parents without altering other parts of the assistance system.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of who can be paid as a caregiver under MassHealth-funded home and community services to include legally liable family members such as parents, guardians, and adult children. Currently, these programs often restrict paid caregiving to unrelated professionals, but this legislation would allow eligible family members to receive compensation for their care work. To implement this change, the state's health and human services office must submit a formal plan amendment or waiver application to federal authorities. The measure aims to support families by enabling them to be formally recognized and financially compensated for providing care to their loved ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal requirement for the state to ensure fair and adequate funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates that the Board of Higher Education determine annual budget requests for these institutions and student financial aid, prioritizing resources for teaching, research, and student support services. Key provisions include directing additional funds toward vulnerable student populations, emphasizing full-time faculty employment with fair wages, and preventing the privatization of public campuses. The legislation also requires the state council to report annually on how these funds are distributed to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows married couples to work as paid caregivers for one another under the MassHealth program in Massachusetts. It amends state law to authorize spouses to provide specific home-based care services, provided these arrangements comply with federal regulations. To make this possible, the state's health and human services department must submit a plan or waiver application to the federal government within six months of the law taking effect.