By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 67) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryHD 339 requires Massachusetts public school districts and charter schools to develop policies partnering with community mental health organizations to refer students needing support. It shortens two existing timeframes: requiring schools to update suicide prevention plans annually (instead of every 3 years) and to complete safety reviews within 60 days (instead of 6 months). The bill also mandates the Department of Education to create rules for these school-community partnerships, focusing on connecting students to mental health, substance use, and social services. This directly affects school administrators and staff responsible for implementing student support programs.
Maddy summaryHD 2703 establishes a special commission to study and recommend policies promoting equity in Massachusetts agriculture for historically excluded groups, including African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Caribbean Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives. The commission, with members appointed from diverse agricultural organizations, caucuses, and commissions, will investigate data collection, grant access, program equity, and regulatory processes, holding at least three public hearings (including one rural and one urban). It must file a report with legislative leaders by December 31, 2027, including recommendations for policy changes, with the findings publicly available online. This bill creates a study body - not direct policy changes - to address systemic barriers in agricultural resources and opportunities.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1836) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to determine the cost percentage of non-Commonwealth entities within the state employees' retirement system. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to assess and improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, and safety in all public higher education buildings across Massachusetts. The commission, including representatives from universities, labor groups, health and environmental organizations, must develop standards by 2028 and create a plan to ensure all public college/university buildings meet these standards by 2037. It requires public reporting through an online dashboard tracking building assessments and prioritizes renovations for facilities serving underserved communities or with the greatest health/safety needs. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund to finance these upgrades using state appropriations, grants, and other sources, with cost-benefit analyses comparing long-term savings to upfront investments.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers on private construction projects exceeding $750,000 to post specific transparency information at job sites. It applies to residential developments with over 10 units or commercial/industrial projects over 5,000 square feet. Key provisions mandate posting: (1) a compliance certificate showing current contributions to worker benefits, (2) workers' compensation carrier details and coverage status, and (3) a sign-in/out log tracking all workers' names, signatures, trade licenses, and arrival/departure times. Employers must provide these records to the Attorney General upon request.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes workplace bullying unlawful by defining it as severe or pervasive conduct creating a toxic work environment. It requires all employers (of any size) to implement written anti-bullying policies within 90 days, train employees, establish transparent complaint processes, and maintain records. Employees can sue for damages including back pay, punitive awards for egregious cases, and up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $15,000), plus attorney fees. The law also prohibits employers from mandating mediation before legal counsel or using non-disclosure agreements in bullying cases, and grants victims a three-year window to file claims.
Maddy summarySD 2275 creates a new ESOL for economic mobility coordinator position within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The coordinator must develop a statewide strategy to help workers with limited English proficiency (LEP), particularly newly-arrived and underemployed individuals, gain English skills needed for in-demand jobs. Key provisions include a 90-day pilot program to rapidly expand ESOL access, increased state funding (specifically $13 million allocated), and annual reporting on metrics like participants served, job placements, and program growth. The bill requires collaboration with employers, community organizations, and state agencies to align ESOL efforts with workforce needs without diminishing existing programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools to maintain a stock supply of non-patient-specific epinephrine auto-injectors for immediate use during severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It mandates schools to store the medication in accessible locations, determine appropriate quantities based on student population, train authorized staff, and regularly check expiration dates. The law also provides legal immunity for school staff who administer epinephrine in good faith during emergencies, protecting them and their school districts from civil liability. Additionally, the health and education departments must seek federal funding or free epinephrine from pharmaceutical companies to support implementation.
By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 577) of Brandy Fluker-Reid and others relative to charter school tuition reimbursement. Education.
