Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations within the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety to oversee the safety and licensing of equipment used for lifting and moving heavy loads. The six-member board will be appointed by the governor and includes representatives from public utilities, construction contractors, safety trainers, federal safety experts, and operating engineers to ensure diverse perspectives. The board will develop rules for classifying machinery and set specific criteria for issuing, renewing, or revoking licenses for apprentice operators, requiring them to work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Additionally, the legislation establishes that violations of federal or state safety regulations can lead to the denial or suspension of these licenses.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create and publish an educational guide on non-opioid options for pain management. It mandates that healthcare providers discuss these alternatives with patients before prescribing Schedule II opioids, unless the patient is in a critical care unit, emergency department, or receiving hospice care. The law also requires doctors to provide the printed guide, explain the pros and cons of non-drug therapies, and document these discussions in patient records.
By Mr. Timilty, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2515) of Walter F. Timilty (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Easton to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. Timilty, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2535) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Walter F. Timilty for legislation relative to technical rescue services. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create and publish an educational guide about non-opioid options for pain management. It mandates that healthcare providers discuss these alternatives, along with their pros and cons, with patients before prescribing Schedule II opioids for pain treatment. The law also requires doctors to give patients a copy of this guide and document which non-opioid treatments were considered in their medical records. These rules apply to most settings but exclude critical care units, emergency departments, and hospice care. The bill aims to ensure patients are informed about other pain relief methods before opioids are used.
Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes a career incentive pay program for Massachusetts State Police officers to encourage further education and attract diverse candidates. It directly affects current and future full-time members of the department by linking salary increases to the accumulation of college credits and degrees. Officers earn a ten percent raise for an associate degree, a twenty percent raise for a bachelor's degree, and a twenty-five percent raise for a master's or law degree, provided they graduate from accredited institutions. The legislation specifically excludes officers already receiving similar pay under existing programs and aims to ensure a diverse educational background within the force.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program in Massachusetts to deploy behavioral health clinicians alongside police, fire, and emergency medical personnel when responding to 911 calls. The initiative requires the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, in collaboration with the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, to manage grants and oversee the program while establishing a board of community-based organizations to guide its direction. A key provision mandates that behavioral health staff must always be accompanied by a first responder during emergency calls, and the program includes training for emergency professionals on behavioral health issues. Additionally, the bill requires the collection of detailed data on outcomes and demographics, along with an annual report to state legislative committees to evaluate the pilot's effectiveness and identify any barriers.
By Mr. Timilty, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2536) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Walter F. Timilty for legislation to further regulate the priority of claims of cities or towns for payment of municipal liens. Financial Services.