By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1914) of John C. Velis, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Parkinson's disease disability and death in firefighters. Public Service.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 553) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Steven Owens, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the municipal reforestation program. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 247) of John F. Keenan for legislation to increase the number of continuing education hours of podiatrists. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 96) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to further regulate THC potency limits for certain types of marijuana. Cannabis Policy.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1821) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Public Service.
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1788) of Michael D. Brady, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to PTSD and accidental disability retirement. Public Service.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1448) of John F. Keenan for legislation relative to variances. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Maddy summaryHD 1540 establishes a Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund in Massachusetts to provide grants for pediatric cancer research and support projects. The fund receives state appropriations, private donations, and interest, with unused balances carrying forward annually. It supports two types of projects: research focused on causes, prevention, or treatment of childhood cancer (capping operational costs at 5%), and resource projects offering education, awareness, or psychosocial support (also capping operational costs at 5%). A 7-member advisory committee, including cancer survivors and advocates, will manage grant allocations, and the Health and Human Services office must report annually to legislative committees on funded projects and outcomes.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-mandated bereavement leave policy in Massachusetts. It requires most employers to allow employees up to 10 business days of leave within a 12-month period following the death of a covered family member (including children, parents, spouses, siblings, or partners in a substantive dating relationship living with the employee) to handle funeral arrangements, attend services, or grieve. Employers must permit the leave but decide whether it is paid or unpaid, and employees must request leave within 30 days of learning of the death. The law exempts employers with fewer than 10 employees in the Commonwealth and takes effect on January 1, 2025.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 959) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to provide for energy assistance during the summer months. Housing.
