Sen. Walter Timilty

Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1166) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna, Brian M. Ashe, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1919) of Joseph D. McKenna, Ryan C. Fattman and others relative to employment protections for domestic violence victims, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2479).

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages food donations in Massachusetts by offering legal protections and tax incentives to donors. It removes liability for civil damages related to food conditions for individuals and food establishments that donate open-dated or expired food to nonprofit organizations, provided the food was not misbranded, adulterated, or mishandled and the donor did not act with gross negligence. Additionally, the bill creates a tax credit for farming businesses and restaurants that donate their crops or prepared meals to qualified nonprofit food distribution organizations, capping the credit at $5,000 annually. These changes aim to make it safer and more financially beneficial for businesses and individuals to donate surplus food to those in need.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect individuals and food establishments from civil lawsuits when they donate food, including items that have passed their expiration dates, to nonprofit organizations or other recipients. The protections apply as long as the donated food is not misbranded or adulterated and was handled in compliance with public health regulations, while also excluding cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct by the donor. By removing liability for injuries caused by the condition of such donated food, the legislation aims to encourage more people and businesses to contribute surplus food to those in need without fear of legal repercussions.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Massachusetts laws against wage theft by expanding the Attorney General's ability to take legal action on behalf of workers who have been underpaid. It allows the Attorney General to file civil lawsuits seeking lost wages and benefits, with a provision that successful workers receive triple the amount owed to them as compensation. The legislation also clarifies that violations of wage theft laws are criminal offenses rather than just civil matters and protects employees from retaliation if they report these violations. These changes aim to increase employer accountability and provide a more robust public enforcement mechanism for recovering unpaid wages.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages food donations by offering a tax credit of up to $25,000 annually to businesses that donate food to nonprofit organizations serving people in need. It also provides legal protections for donors and nonprofits by shielding them from civil liability if donated food causes injury, even if the food is past its expiration date, provided it was not handled with gross negligence. To claim the tax credit, businesses must submit a certification from the receiving nonprofit confirming the food was distributed without charge or only to cover handling costs. The legislation applies to farms, restaurants, and grocery stores within the state and requires that all donations comply with existing health and safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public agencies and municipalities to require Project Labor Agreements on public construction projects if they determine it is in the best interest of the state. Before mandating such an agreement, officials must evaluate factors like construction efficiency, worker availability, project safety, and opportunities for diverse groups including women, minorities, and veterans. The Department of Labor Standards will also create new rules to encourage more minority-owned businesses to participate and ensure the workforce reflects the local community demographics.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to stop wage theft and hold employers accountable by strengthening how the state enforces labor laws. It creates a new public enforcement unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate unpaid wages and other violations. The legislation also expands the types of penalties available to punish companies that fail to pay workers correctly. These changes directly affect employees who may have been underpaid and the businesses that employ them.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3012) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to infrastructure projects and public building construction contractors and subcontractors. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Driscoll of Milton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., and Walter F. Timilty (with the approval of the town council) relative to the preparation of bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for state elections in the city known as the town of Randolph. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, June 27, 2024 - New draft (Senator Timilty) to Senate Bill authorizing the town of Milton to use certain property for school purposes (Senate, No. 2549).