Sen. Mike Rush

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the regulation of continuing care retirement communities in Massachusetts, aiming to protect the financial and consumer rights of residents. The commission will be composed of representatives from the state legislature, the attorney general, the Department of Elder Affairs, various industry and advocacy groups, and two current residents. Its primary tasks include reviewing contracts, financial viability, entrance fees, marketing practices, and procedures for closing or changing ownership of these facilities. The group is required to hold at least six meetings and one public hearing before submitting a report with legislative or regulatory recommendations within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow the state Department of Energy Resources to fine gas distribution companies for specific, long-standing gas leaks known as "Grade 3 leaks." The legislation requires the department to create rules within a year that set fine amounts based on factors like the leak's age and volume, while also establishing a process for auditing company reports and accepting complaints from third parties. Any money collected from these fines must be used to fund projects that reduce community exposure to gas leaks, such as replacing damaged trees, auditing companies, or providing direct support to affected municipalities. The funds are to be distributed to local communities in proportion to the impact of the leaks occurring in their areas, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding tool within the Massachusetts School Building Authority to invest in vocational-technical education programs and regional schools. It allocates $3 billion to replace or renovate school infrastructure and purchase critical training equipment to better prepare students for industry-relevant careers. The legislation also adjusts reimbursement rates for these projects, allowing the state to cover between 75% and 90% of eligible construction costs, with higher rates available for schools that align with regional workforce needs.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state law requiring health care facilities in Massachusetts to employ only certified central service technicians who have passed a nationally accredited exam. It defines central service technicians as individuals who decontaminate, inspect, assemble, package, and sterilize reusable medical instruments. Facilities must verify that new hires obtain this certification within 18 months of being hired, while those already working in the field by the end of 2024 have until then to qualify. To maintain their status, technicians must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually related to their duties. The law also allows licensed health care practitioners and allied health professionals to perform these tasks without additional certification, and it mandates that facilities provide written employment verification upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts residents and local governments address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The fund is designed to cover remediation costs for municipalities, private well owners, and public water systems without requiring additional annual appropriations from the state budget. Money for the fund will come from settlements related to claims against manufacturers of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam, and any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs is responsible for administering the fund and ensuring expenditures align with existing legal settlements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires food service establishments in Massachusetts to include a specific video on food allergies as part of the certification process for food protection managers. The video must be interactive, include a knowledge check to verify understanding, and feature the most current information on allergens, with approval standards set by the state in consultation with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Food Allergy Research & Education, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Additionally, the law mandates that at least one employee present during food service hours must have viewed this video, and it updates the list of organizations responsible for reviewing and approving the educational material every five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school principals or superintendents in Massachusetts to notify parents within 24 hours if law enforcement is called to the school for arrests or safety activities beyond the duties of a school resource officer. The notification must include the time law enforcement arrived, the general reason for their presence without identifying specific students or staff, and the time they left the premises. The law explicitly states that this reporting requirement does not limit an officer's authority to make arrests or delay action in urgent situations involving bodily harm, armed suspects, evidence destruction, or emergencies.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

March 21, 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 266) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to enhance the educational outcomes of expectant and parenting students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 282) of Anne M. Gobi and Steven S. Howitt for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 285) of Adam Gomez and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to dropout prevention and recovery; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 290) of Adam Gomez, Lydia Edwards, James B. Eldridge and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 294) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 300) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to safer schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 305) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to promote safe firearm storage education and increase the well-being of students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 341) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to dropout prevention and student recovery; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 348) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to parental notification in public schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2663).