By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2113) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an Indigenous Peoples Day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summarySD 1113 provides paid family and medical leave for all educators employed by Massachusetts school districts or education collaboratives. The bill specifically defines these educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for leave purposes. School districts will fund their required contributions to the leave program using existing income surtax revenue (from Chapter 62), not from general operating budgets. This ensures educators can take paid leave for family or medical needs without impacting their employment benefits or health insurance coverage.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3197).
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, , James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams. Public Health.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients. Public Health.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 341) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to expand access to family, friend, and neighbor-provided childcare administered by the Department of Early Education and Care. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear guidelines for school library materials in Massachusetts. It requires school staff to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness - not personal views - and sets a formal process for challenging removals: a public hearing must occur before a school committee can remove materials, only if they lack educational value or are inappropriate for students. Schools must create and post written policies following American Library Association standards, and staff cannot face disciplinary action for selections made in good faith. The bill directly affects school libraries, staff, students, and parents involved in material challenges.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts state resolution urges the state's congressional delegation to support federal resolutions that would adopt the "Back from the Brink" platform for nuclear policy. The proposed federal actions include embracing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, renouncing first-use policies, and removing U.S. nuclear weapons from hair-trigger alert status. The bill also directs that copies of these resolutions be sent to key federal leaders, including the President, Vice President, and congressional leadership.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the release of a specific 15,977-square-foot parcel of land in Deerfield from conservation restrictions to allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to build a bridge over the Deerfield River. The land, currently owned by Great River Hydro, LLC, is being exempted so the town can acquire it for the highway project. In exchange for this release, the town of Deerfield must donate a separate 5.5-acre vacant parcel to the state for conservation and recreation purposes. Additionally, the town is required to provide public access to the donated land and pay the state an amount equal to 110 percent of any difference in value between the land being released and the land being donated. An independent professional appraisal will determine the values involved, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is responsible for covering all associated costs.
