Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations within the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety to oversee the safety and licensing of equipment used for lifting and moving heavy loads. The six-member board will be appointed by the governor and includes representatives from public utilities, construction contractors, safety trainers, federal safety experts, and operating engineers to ensure diverse perspectives. The board will develop rules for classifying machinery and set specific criteria for issuing, renewing, or revoking licenses for apprentice operators, requiring them to work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Additionally, the legislation establishes that violations of federal or state safety regulations can lead to the denial or suspension of these licenses.
Sen. John Keenan
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to create and maintain a support program for officers involved in critical incidents, such as line-of-duty deaths, suicide, or traumatic events involving family members. The legislation mandates that these programs include training on post-traumatic reactions, safety protocols at the scene, and access to mental health services, which can be delivered in person or via telehealth. Agencies must also establish guidelines for temporary leave or duty reassignment to allow officers time to recover, along with a structured plan for their eventual return to work. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to review and update these policies every two years to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the needs of officers and their families.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4534) of Tackey Chan, Bruce J. Ayers and John F. Keenan (with the approval of the mayor and the city council) relative to the retirement of Kevin Bythrow by the retirement board of the city of Quincy. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to run an 18-month pilot program placing naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, at all Red Line stations. The authority must install three unalarmed boxes at each station, each holding two doses of naloxone spray, and check them daily to replace used doses and log usage. Clear instructions on how to use the medication and information about training will be posted near the boxes. At the end of the pilot, the authority must submit a report to state officials detailing the program's costs, benefits, and usage records to determine if it should be expanded to other transit services.
Senate, May 23, 2024 -- Text of amendment (802) (offered by Senator Montigny) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 4) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible Massachusetts residents to register and vote immediately at their local polling place or early voting site by presenting proof of residence and signing an affidavit, rather than waiting for their name to appear on the official voter roll. To qualify, individuals must show a valid photo ID or other documents like utility bills or lease agreements that confirm their name and address, and they must swear they are not already registered elsewhere. If a person cannot provide proof of residence at the time of registration, the bill permits them to cast a provisional ballot and submit the required documentation within two business days after a primary or six days after a general election. The legislation also requires election officials to add these new registrants to the official voter list as soon as practicable and restricts voters who register under this method from changing their party affiliation at that specific primary.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts election laws to improve voter registration accuracy and ensure polling places are accessible for people with disabilities. It requires registrars to automatically move voters who change addresses to an inactive list unless they respond to a mailed notice, while also protecting individuals in domestic violence situations from having their information publicly disclosed. Additionally, the bill mandates that state officials inspect polling sites every four years to verify compliance with accessibility requirements and provides a mechanism for the state secretary to enforce these standards. These changes aim to streamline the voter roll maintenance process and guarantee that all voters can access their polling locations without barriers.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4535) of Tackey Chan, Bruce J. Ayers and John F. Keenan (with the approval of the mayor and the city council) that the city of Quincy be authorized to appoint retired firefighters as special firefighters in said city. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to qualifying low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, cost impacts, and eligibility verification methods while gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans by October 15, 2023, and allows regional authorities to explore no-fare options if they are more cost-effective than means-tested fares.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).