Sen. Susan Moran

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to update state waste management plans and launch an education program focused on the "circular economy." The legislation defines the circular economy as a system designed to keep materials, products, and services in use for as long as possible rather than discarding them. Under this new law, the department must inform the general public and businesses about what the circular economy entails and provide guidance on how they can participate in this transition. By amending existing chapters in the state's General Laws, the bill establishes a formal framework for promoting sustainable resource use through official state planning and outreach efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Safe Drinking Water at School Act to mandate annual lead testing for all drinking water outlets in Massachusetts schools and child care centers. It requires facilities to use certified laboratories and specific testing methods to check for lead levels exceeding one part per billion, with a six-month deadline for those previously excluded from the state's assistance program. The legislation defines key terms such as "school" and "drinking water outlet" to ensure clear compliance standards across public, charter, and non-public educational facilities. By updating Chapter 111 of the General Laws, the bill creates a uniform requirement for monitoring water safety to protect student health.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes John R. Stowe, Jr. to purchase creditable service for his military time from the Barnstable County Retirement Board. It specifically allows him to count this military service toward his retirement benefits under the Barnstable County Retirement System. The legislation overrides existing state laws that typically restrict such purchases for county employees. This change directly affects only John R. Stowe, Jr. and does not alter the rules for other employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to help Massachusetts farmers deal with financial losses caused by PFAS contamination in their soil and crops. It also grants farmers immunity from lawsuits if they are sued for damages resulting from standard farming practices that lead to PFAS presence in the environment. The legislation defines PFAS as specific fluorinated organic compounds and allows the fund to be financed through state appropriations, donations, and federal grants. Money from the fund can be used for testing, adapting farm management practices, providing health support, and developing educational resources for affected agricultural operations.

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 175) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Lydia Edwards and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 318) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to direct the Department of Environmental Protection to publish a toxic chemicals of concern consumer products list, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2564).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require manufacturers and sellers to disclose specific toxic chemicals found in products intended for children aged 12 and under. It defines "children's products" broadly to include items like toys, clothing, cosmetics, car seats, and school supplies, while explicitly excluding electronics, bicycles, and certain other items. The legislation mandates that companies provide a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or other toxicity, using a list of authoritative scientific bodies to determine which substances are harmful. By establishing clear definitions and disclosure requirements, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding chemical safety in consumer goods used by young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for the town of Plymouth to vote on whether to allow horse racing and betting within its borders. It requires the town to publish a notice, hold a public hearing, and secure a majority vote from registered voters at a town meeting before any license can be considered. If these steps are completed successfully within the same calendar year, the town select board can approve the location, enabling the state gaming commission to issue a license. Essentially, the legislation gives Plymouth residents direct control over the decision to permit horse racing activities in their community.