Sen. Bill Driscoll

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' paid family medical leave law by redefining two key terms. It changes "covered business entity" to mean a business where 50% or more of the workforce consists of contracted workers (not employees under current law). It also redefines "covered contract worker" as a non-employee for whom an employer must pay into the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes directly affect businesses using significant numbers of contract workers and those contract workers, expanding their eligibility for paid family medical leave under the law. The policy change clarifies which employers and workers qualify for the state's paid leave program.

Maddy summaryHD 4466 is a special bill for Casey L'Italien, a Randolph police officer injured on duty in 2021. It requires the Norfolk County Retirement Board to increase her disability retirement allowance to match what she would have earned as an active officer, covers her related medical expenses, and allows her to earn up to half her retirement amount without penalty. The bill also provides survivor benefits: her spouse (if married at the time of injury) receives 75% of her pension upon her death, and minor or incapacitated children receive payments if both she and her spouse die before the children turn 18. This bill directly affects only Casey L'Italien and her dependents, with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes workplace bullying unlawful by defining it as severe or pervasive conduct creating a toxic work environment. It requires all employers (of any size) to implement written anti-bullying policies within 90 days, train employees, establish transparent complaint processes, and maintain records. Employees can sue for damages including back pay, punitive awards for egregious cases, and up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $15,000), plus attorney fees. The law also prohibits employers from mandating mediation before legal counsel or using non-disclosure agreements in bullying cases, and grants victims a three-year window to file claims.

Maddy summarySD 2275 creates a new ESOL for economic mobility coordinator position within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The coordinator must develop a statewide strategy to help workers with limited English proficiency (LEP), particularly newly-arrived and underemployed individuals, gain English skills needed for in-demand jobs. Key provisions include a 90-day pilot program to rapidly expand ESOL access, increased state funding (specifically $13 million allocated), and annual reporting on metrics like participants served, job placements, and program growth. The bill requires collaboration with employers, community organizations, and state agencies to align ESOL efforts with workforce needs without diminishing existing programs.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 870) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Hannah Kane, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to clarify rate setting processes for home health and home care services. Health Care Financing.

The committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 45) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2516).

Senate, September 18, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill establishing the Massachusetts data privacy act (Senate, No. 2516),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2608).

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 460) of John C. Velis and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation to establish an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program. Education.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 388) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to fix the chapter 70 inflation adjustment. Education.

By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2560) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, William J. Driscoll, Jr. and John F. Keenan for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Gregory Baker, an employee of the Suffolk County Sherriff's office. Public Service.