Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by requiring retail establishments to charge a fee for them. Retailers, which include grocery stores, restaurants, and mobile vendors, must offer reusable bags or recycled paper bags as alternatives to plastic film bags. The legislation defines specific standards for these alternatives, such as requiring recycled paper bags to contain a minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled material and be labeled as recyclable. Additionally, the law establishes definitions for terms like "reusable bag" and "single-use plastic bag" to ensure consistent application across different types of businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to establish a formal framework for producer responsibility programs aimed at reducing recycling costs. It creates specific definitions for terms like "covered materials," which include most packaging and paper products sold or distributed in the state, while excluding long-term storage materials and beverage containers. The legislation sets up a system where producers of these items must manage their own waste through approved alternative collection programs or join a coordinating body to handle recycling logistics. By clarifying these roles and responsibilities, the bill seeks to shift the financial burden of recycling from municipalities to the companies that create the packaging.

Senate, October 10, 2023 -- The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 913) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to archaic laws; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 951) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to petit treason; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1109) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to repeal the criminalization of blasphemy; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1469) of Kate Donaghue, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to the repeal or reform of certain archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1640) of Jay D. Livingstone, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for legislation to repeal certain archaic laws and to establish a permanent law revision commission (including members of the General Court) to examine common laws and statutes; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1811) of Tommy Vitolo and Sal N. DiDomenico relative to petit treason, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2457).

Senate, January 16, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to archaic laws (Senate, No. 2457),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2551).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home inspectors to inform buyers and renters about potential pyrite or pyrrhotite issues in concrete foundations. It also mandates that anyone seeking a license to mine or produce concrete aggregate must submit a geological report and test results for these minerals. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to support the implementation of these new safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. It requires the state department to investigate all related claims regardless of their current status and expands the definition of "earnings" to include unpaid wages owed by an employer. The legislation also mandates that employers post clear notices about workers' rights in multiple languages and provides for stricter penalties, including punitive damages, against those who retaliate against or discriminate against injured employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts employment laws to provide specific protections for individuals experiencing or who have experienced abusive behavior. It directly affects employers and employees by defining "abusive behavior" to include domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, kidnapping, and various forms of psychological or emotional abuse such as isolation, financial control, and intimidation. The legislation expands the definition of who counts as a family member to include current and former partners, people with whom one shares a child, and those in guardianship relationships, ensuring these individuals are covered under existing workplace anti-discrimination and leave provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the chair of the Shutesbury planning board to appoint an associate member to fill in when a regular member is absent, unable to act, has a conflict of interest, or leaves the board. The designated associate member would have the authority to vote on any matters the board handles, including those related to zoning and land use. This change ensures the planning board can continue functioning without interruption during such situations. The law applies only to the town of Shutesbury and becomes effective immediately upon passing.