Sen. John Keenan

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to restrict the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to anyone under the age of eighteen. It requires physical retail stores to keep these products behind counters or in locked cases and to ask for valid identification from customers who appear to be minors. Additionally, online sellers must verify that the recipient is at least 18 years old by requiring a signature and a government-issued photo ID upon delivery, while also collecting and verifying the buyer's name, birth date, and address. These measures aim to prevent children from accessing weight loss or muscle-building products without parental supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers working on large private construction projects in Massachusetts to publicly display specific compliance information at their job sites. It applies to residential developments with more than 10 units or commercial projects larger than 5,000 square feet that cost over $750,000. Under the new rules, employers must post a certificate showing they are registered and current on contributions, a notice with worker's compensation details, and a detailed log tracking who enters and leaves the site. Contractors and subcontractors must also provide these records to the Attorney General upon request for inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts unemployment insurance rules to provide higher benefits for workers who earn lower wages. It changes the calculation so that eligible individuals receive fifteen times their average weekly earnings instead of the previous thirty times, with specific protections ensuring they do not lose benefits if their earnings fall below a certain threshold. Additionally, the bill adjusts the weekly payment amounts to be between twenty percent and seventy-five percent of an individual's average weekly wage, while also altering the total annual benefit cap based on local unemployment rates. These changes directly affect low-wage earners by increasing the financial support they receive during periods of unemployment.

Senate, January 25, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 180) of Adam Gomez, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 359) of Adrian C. Madaro, Carlos González and Kevin G. Honan for legislation to further regulate real estate brokers and salespersons, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2566).

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 175) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Lydia Edwards and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 318) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to direct the Department of Environmental Protection to publish a toxic chemicals of concern consumer products list, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2564).

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 213) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 214) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 262) of Tackey Chan, Paul R. Feeney and others relative to the licensure of appraisers, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2568).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require manufacturers and sellers to disclose specific toxic chemicals found in products intended for children aged 12 and under. It defines "children's products" broadly to include items like toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and school supplies, while explicitly excluding electronics, bicycles, and certain other items. The legislation mandates that companies provide a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or other toxicity, using a list of authoritative scientific bodies to determine which substances are harmful. By establishing clear definitions and disclosure requirements, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding chemical safety in consumer goods used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen oversight of real estate brokers and enhance enforcement of fair housing rules. It requires the state board of real estate registration to publish quarterly reports detailing complaints and disciplinary actions taken against license holders for discrimination. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board immediately suspend a broker's license for sixty days if a court finds they committed a fair housing violation, extending the suspension to one hundred and eighty days if the violation occurred within two years of a prior finding. These changes aim to increase transparency and impose stricter penalties on professionals who discriminate in housing transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within the Division of Occupational Licensure to regulate professionals who assess vehicle damage. The board will consist of seven members appointed from the auto body repair industry, insurance companies, the Attorney General's office, and consumer representatives, with one member serving as chair. Key provisions include limiting members to two consecutive three-year terms and requiring vacancies to be filled within 60 days. The legislation aims to create a structured oversight body specifically for auto damage appraisers in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define and address psychological abuse in the workplace, directly affecting employers, employees, and independent contractors. It introduces specific legal definitions for terms such as bullying, mobbing, and toxic work environments to clarify what constitutes mental mistreatment. The legislation also establishes new terminology for psychological injury, ensuring that mental harm is recognized with the same evidentiary standards as physical injury. By updating Chapter 149 of the General Laws, the bill aims to create a clearer legal framework for identifying and addressing non-physical harassment and abuse in employment settings.