Sen. Walter Timilty

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts such as circuses and carnivals across Massachusetts. It specifically bans these animals from participating in performances where they are transported in mobile facilities like trucks or trailers for the purpose of entertainment. The law applies to individuals and businesses but explicitly excludes animals housed at permanent, non-mobile institutions that do not transport the animals for the event. Violations of this new chapter can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved, and enforcement is assigned to state and local law enforcement officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state department responsible for food assistance to work with elder affairs councils to help seniors over 60 sign up for food stamp programs. The law mandates that these agencies hold educational sessions at senior centers and conduct outreach efforts specifically designed to guide eligible elderly residents through the enrollment process. By adding this requirement to existing state laws, the measure aims to improve access to nutrition assistance for older adults without changing the program's underlying rules or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows faculty and professional staff at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to count unpaid leave time as creditable service for their state retirement pensions. Specifically, it applies to employees who take unpaid leave to accept prestigious awards, fellowships, scholarships, or special assignments that benefit both the individual and their institution. To qualify, eligible workers must pay the required retirement contributions into the state system for the leave period, either as a lump sum or in installments, based on their pre-leave salary. The legislation permits up to two years of such service to be added to their records before retirement to help calculate their final pension allowance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school business administrators in Massachusetts to count certain past work experience toward their retirement service time. To qualify, individuals must have at least ten years of membership in the teachers' retirement system and pay a fee equal to 17 percent of their current salary for each year of experience they wish to add. The law limits the amount of additional service time that can be purchased to a maximum of three years and requires that these payments be made before any retirement benefits begin.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers in Massachusetts to test their drinking water outlets annually for lead levels exceeding one part per billion. It mandates that testing be conducted by certified laboratories using specific methods and establishes a six-month deadline for facilities that have not previously participated in the state's assistance program. The legislation also defines key terms such as "certified point-of-use filter" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clarity in compliance. Additionally, the act gives the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to adjust testing frequency on a case-by-case basis when necessary for public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, circuses, and similar mobile performances within Massachusetts. It directly affects owners and operators of traveling exhibits by banning the participation of these specific animals in events where they are transported between locations for entertainment purposes. The law includes an exemption for permanent institutions like zoos, provided the animals are not moved specifically for the traveling act. Violations of this new rule can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each animal involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by making services more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for children and their families. It seeks to support child development and strengthen the state's economy by expanding access to these essential services. The legislation outlines specific goals to enhance the quality of care and reduce costs, though the provided text does not detail the exact funding mechanisms or implementation steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by exempting providers from certain price limits and clarifying who qualifies as a caregiver. It removes restrictions that cap the fees providers can charge, allowing them to set their own rates under specific contracts, while also defining "caregivers" to include guardians and non-resident supervisors. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new definition for "high needs" to identify children and families requiring extra support due to factors like disabilities, trauma, or economic hardship. These changes are designed to increase access to quality care and better support the development of young children across the state.

By Representative D'Emilia of Bridgewater and Senator Timilty, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo L. D'Emilia and Walter F. Timilty for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Jonathan Corey, an employee of the Suffolk county sheriff's department. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public schools in Massachusetts provide free breakfast and lunch to every student attending the school. To help cover these costs, the legislation requires schools to maximize the use of federal funding programs and assigns the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the responsibility of paying for any remaining expenses not covered by federal reimbursements. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create regulations that help families access supplemental nutrition assistance programs by offering application support or referrals to relevant agencies. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023.