Sen. Susan Moran

Senate, July 15, 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2510) of Susan L. Moran and Steven George Xiarhos (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Sandwich 5 additional liquor licenses, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2861).

By Ms. Moran, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2843) of Susan L. Moran (by vote of the town) to authorize the town of Pembroke to issue one additional liquor license. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care employers in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. To achieve this, facilities must conduct annual risk assessments in cooperation with employees and labor unions to identify specific dangers, such as working in public areas or guarding property. The legislation defines workplace violence to include unpermitted touching, attempts to use physical force, or threatening behavior that causes fear of future harm. These measures apply to a wide range of settings, including hospitals and state correctional facilities, while explicitly excluding certain outpatient services like clinics and dialysis centers.

By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2643) of Orlando Ramos and others for legislation to include certain employees of the Department of Developmental Services and Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Group 2 of the contributory retirement system for public employees. Public Service.

By Representative Muratore of Plymouth and Senator Moran, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4177) of Mathew J. Muratore and Susan L. Moran (by vote of the town) relative to retirement benefits for certain employees of the harbormaster division of the police department of the town of Plymouth. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to encourage the development of affordable housing that is environmentally sustainable. It directly impacts housing providers, local governments, and residents seeking low-cost living options. The legislation outlines mechanisms to support green building practices within affordable housing projects. By promoting these specific construction standards, the bill seeks to balance economic accessibility with environmental responsibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of who can be paid as a caregiver under MassHealth-funded home and community services to include legally liable family members such as parents, guardians, and adult children. Currently, these programs often restrict paid caregiving to unrelated professionals, but this legislation would allow eligible family members to receive compensation for their care work. To implement this change, the state's health and human services office must submit a formal plan amendment or waiver application to federal authorities. The measure aims to support families by enabling them to be formally recognized and financially compensated for providing care to their loved ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal requirement for the state to ensure fair and adequate funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates that the Board of Higher Education determine annual budget requests for these institutions and student financial aid, prioritizing resources for teaching, research, and student support services. Key provisions include directing additional funds toward vulnerable student populations, emphasizing full-time faculty employment with fair wages, and preventing the privatization of public campuses. The legislation also requires the state council to report annually on how these funds are distributed to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the HomeBASE program in Massachusetts to help families maintain stable housing by expanding financial assistance and easing eligibility rules. It allows eligible families to receive up to $30,000 in the first 24 months and $15,000 in subsequent 12-month periods to prevent eviction or relocate to new housing. Key changes include removing income limits for those already in the program, permitting assistance for families facing eviction due to no-fault reasons, and allowing the combination of HomeBASE funds with other transition resources. The program specifically targets households with children under 21 or pregnant individuals who have followed their rehousing plans during previous assistance periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to help families, youth, and adults avoid homelessness by providing cash assistance for rent and utility bills before a crisis occurs. It targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income who face risks like eviction or utility shut-offs, with at least half of the funds reserved for those earning less than 30% of the area median income. The program allows eligible individuals to receive up to 12 months of financial support for past-due and future housing costs, even if they have not yet received official legal notices from landlords or utility companies. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to submit an annual report detailing application statistics and demographic data to ensure transparency.