Sen. Mike Rush

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a statewide program to connect volunteers with seniors needing assistance. It specifically helps seniors with snow removal and home or property maintenance services. The program will establish a volunteer registry, match volunteers with seniors, coordinate with community organizations, and encourage businesses to support the initiative. The program requires funding through appropriations or grants but does not mandate new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers two parcels of Commonwealth-owned land in West Roxbury, Boston (Parcel D: 31.5 acres; Parcel E: 4.7 acres) from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to The Gardens Cemetery. The land, currently under state care, will be sold at fair market value to expand the cemetery for burial purposes. The transfer is limited to these specific parcels, described in historical survey documents, and does not create new policy or affect broader public programs.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 657) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to Stony Brook Reservation. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer a specific parcel of land in Hyde Park (at 1717-1725 Hyde Park Avenue near Readville Station) to The 54th Regiment Board. The transfer occurs via release deed or easement, with the Board required to pay the land's fair market value based on an independent appraisal. The transfer is intended to allow the Board to continue using and maintaining the land and improvements on the site. The Department of Transportation will not provide warranties or representations regarding the land.

Maddy summarySD 1043 authorizes the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase land and construct a new hospital in Norwood (specifically at 800 Washington Street) to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. The bill amends state law to include Norwood in the University of Massachusetts medical school campus locations and defines key terms related to the hospital's operation. It permits the Authority to use eminent domain for land acquisition or enter purchase agreements, and allows bond financing for construction costs. The legislation also establishes procedures for transferring management of the hospital's clinical division to UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. as a nonprofit entity, with restrictions on future asset sales to for-profit organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Boston to release a specific portion of an old sewer easement located at 49 Charles Park Road in West Roxbury to the property owner, Nora, LLC. The city official in charge of capital assets will work with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to define the exact boundaries of the land being returned and set any necessary conditions for the transfer. Before finalizing the deal, an independent professional appraisal must determine the fair market value of the easement, which the property owner will pay for, and the city inspector general must review this valuation to ensure it is accurate. Once approved, the city will execute legal documents to officially transfer the land back to the private owner, clearing the way for potential development or other uses of the property.

By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William F. MacGregor that the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to release a certain sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2979) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael F. Rush for legislation to protect Norwood healthcare access. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2952) of Michael F. Rush and Rob Consalvo (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to direct the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officer Cherell Mellace. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care employers in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. To achieve this, facilities must conduct annual risk assessments in cooperation with employees and labor unions to identify specific dangers, such as working in public areas or guarding property. The legislation defines workplace violence to include unpermitted touching, attempts to use physical force, or threatening behavior that causes fear of future harm. These measures apply to a wide range of settings, including hospitals and state correctional facilities, while explicitly excluding certain outpatient services like clinics and dialysis centers.