By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1785) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to the health of correctional employees. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1783) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to the equality of wage and recruitment of the Massachusetts State Police. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryHD 244 creates a property tax break for seniors in towns that adopt it. It exempts seniors aged 65+ (or joint applicants where one is 65+) who own and live in their home as their primary residence, meet income limits (based on Chapter 62 tax rules), and have lived in the town 10+ years. The exemption reduces property taxes by covering the amount above 10% of the applicant's income plus a prior year tax credit, but never by more than 50% of the tax bill. Towns must cap total exemptions at 0.5-1% of residential property tax revenue, and the benefit expires after 3 years unless renewed by the town.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 186) of John C. Velis for legislation to establish the MassMade Program. Community Development and Small Businesses.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines specific mental health treatment services and mandates coverage without preauthorization for two groups. It applies to Massachusetts Commonwealth employees (active/retired) covered under group insurance and Medicaid recipients. The bill requires coverage for: mental health acute treatment (24-hour inpatient care), crisis stabilization services (up to 14 days), community-based acute treatment (CBAT, up to 21 days for youth), and intensive community-based acute treatment (ICBAT, up to 14 days for youth). Facilities must notify insurers within 48 hours of admission, and medical necessity must be determined by the treating clinician with patient input - no preauthorization is required, though limited utilization reviews may begin after specified days (e.g., day 7 for crisis services).
Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal to receive special vehicle registration plates featuring the Purple Heart image. Eligible veterans who own private passenger vehicles or motorcycles can get their first set of these plates at no cost from the state motor vehicle office, with standard fees applying for additional sets. The plates are intended to honor Purple Heart recipients and are available upon providing proof of their military award. The bill directly affects qualifying veterans by providing a visible symbol of recognition for their service.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1919) of John C. Velis (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the retirement of Greg Heath, a former firefighter of the city of Westfield. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 951) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to support college students in recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 954) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to opioid overdose prevention in college housing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2756).
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for the community college training incentive program to include credit-bearing courses, which were previously excluded. It directly affects community college students and training program participants who take courses leading to academic credits. The key change amends the statute to explicitly include "credit-bearing" courses by revising language that previously limited coverage to "not-for-credit" programs. This adjustment clarifies that both non-credit and credit-bearing courses qualify for the incentive, without adding new funding or requirements. The bill focuses solely on updating the program's scope through statutory language.
Senate, December 22, 2025 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2097) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to the taxation of manufacturing corporations or a research and development corporations in the commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2753).
