Sen. Walter Timilty

Senate, November 20, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 219) of Walter F. Timilty, William J. Driscoll, Jr. and Brandy Fluker Oakley (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Milton to issue a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2518).

By Mr. Timilty, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Walter F. Timilty, Michael D. Brady, Bruce J. Ayers and William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Tyisha Curenton, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to impose a tax on railroad and utility companies for unused rights of way that have remained idle for over 10 years. Under the proposed law, towns that choose to adopt this measure can charge a fee of $0.10 per linear foot annually for each unused corridor within their borders. The tax would be paid directly to the state by the utility or railroad companies and then distributed quarterly back to the adopting municipalities based on the amount of unused land located in their jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires doctors to discuss non-opioid pain treatment options with patients before prescribing opioids for chronic pain. It mandates that physicians explain the risks of opioids, review alternative therapies like behavioral health or physical treatments, and provide educational materials to patients or their guardians. The law applies to most outpatient settings but excludes acute hospital care, hospice, and substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, the state health department must create and publish online guides detailing these non-opioid alternatives and their pros and cons.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent commission on transportation safety oversight and regulation in Massachusetts to replace the Department of Public Utilities' current role in overseeing certain transportation matters. The new seven-member commission will be appointed by the governor, Senate president, and House speaker, with specific requirements for members to have expertise in transportation safety, engineering, or public finance. The legislation also repeals several existing sections of state law related to public utility hearings and filings, while updating references to the old department in other statutes to point to the new commission. This change shifts authority over transportation safety oversight from an executive department to a separate, independent body designed to provide broader representation.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options (House, No. 4785), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4999).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.

May 6, 2024 -- The committee on Public Service, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1738) of Walter F. Timilty, Bruce J. Ayers, Michael D. Brady and William J. Driscoll, Jr. (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the disability retirement of Casey L'Italien, a police officer in the city known as the town of Randolph, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2763).

Maddy summaryThis bill expands domestic violence protections in Massachusetts to include contract workers employed by staffing agencies and other third-party labor providers. It achieves this by legally defining these workers and their employers, ensuring they have the same right as traditional employees to take time off for safety reasons related to domestic violence. The change removes the previous restriction that limited these protections only to direct employees, thereby covering a broader range of workers in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily enter into written agreements with trusted supporters to help them make life decisions without losing their legal autonomy. It mandates that the state create a training program for supporters and decision-makers covering their rights, obligations, and dispute resolution processes. Additionally, the bill requires schools to inform students with disabilities and their families about this option as an alternative to guardianship when the students turn sixteen. By adding supported decision-making agreements to existing guardianship laws, the legislation aims to provide a flexible, self-determined way for adults to receive assistance while retaining control over their own lives.