Sen. Mike Rush

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax laws to provide property tax relief for disabled combat veterans and their surviving spouses. It specifically targets veterans who are 65 or older, have a permanent service-connected disability, and have been discharged under honorable conditions. The key provision allows the tax exemption to be calculated based on the veteran's percentage of disability, with the benefit continuing for the surviving spouse after the veteran's death until they remarry or sell the home. Additionally, the law clarifies that a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs serves as proof of eligibility and ensures that any unused exemption amount can be transferred to a new primary residence if the surviving spouse sells their current home.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to change the residency requirement for veterans from five consecutive years to just one year. The change directly affects veterans who wish to establish residency in the state for benefits or other purposes. By shortening the time needed to qualify as a resident, the legislation aims to make it easier for veterans to settle in the Commonwealth.

Senate, October 19, 2023 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Rush) to the House Bill relative to the charter of the town of Dedham (House, No. 2081).

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer ownership or an easement of a specific plot of land in Hyde Park to The 54th Regiment Board. The land, currently held by the city under a license from the state DOT, is located at 1717-1725 Hyde Park Avenue near Readville Station. Under the terms of the act, the board would pay the state an amount equal to the fair market value of the land based on an independent appraisal and would cover costs for appraisals and surveys. The transfer would occur without any warranties or guarantees from the department regarding the property's condition or title.

By Mr. Rush (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael Stover, for legislation to standardize definitions relative to veterans. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Massachusetts with 15 or more employees to disclose salary ranges for job postings and provide them to applicants and employees upon request. It defines a pay range as the compensation an employer reasonably expects to offer for a specific role and mandates that this information be shared during job advertisements, promotions, and transfers. The law prohibits retaliation against individuals who exercise their rights under this act and establishes penalties, including fines and potential legal action by the Attorney General, for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill directs the Attorney General to run a public awareness campaign to inform both employers and the public about these new transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Dedham, Massachusetts, as the Honorable Kelly A. Timilty Memorial Bridge to honor her legacy as a public servant. The legislation requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to officially name the bridge and install a permanent marker displaying this new title. By changing the official name of Bridge D-05-005 on Ames Street, the bill ensures that the structure serves as a lasting tribute to Timilty's career on the Governor's Council.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private and nonprofit employers in Massachusetts with at least 100 full-time employees to submit detailed wage and demographic data to the state. Covered entities, which also include the governor and mayors with large workforces, must provide this information annually by the EEO-1 or EEO-4 reporting deadlines. The state will then compile and publish these aggregate wage reports on its website starting in 2024, broken down by specific industries such as healthcare, construction, and retail. The legislation aims to increase pay transparency by making industry-wide wage data publicly available for comparison.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2443) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael F. Rush and William F. MacGregor for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Erin Keel, an employee of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Public Service.

By Mr. Rush (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael Kelly for legislation to establish the official tugboat of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.