Sen. Mark Montigny

Senate, July 25, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill authorizing the city of New Bedford to grant a utility easement to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. (Senate, No. 2412),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment entitled "An Act authorizing the city of New Bedford to grant a utility easement to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth" (Senate, No. 2894).

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.

Senate, July 31, 2024 - Text of the Senate amendment (Senators Oliveira and Montigny) to the House Bill to increase kennel safety, aka Ollie’s Law (House, No. 4919).

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for adults in positions of authority or trust who sexually assault children in Massachusetts. It directly affects individuals such as teachers, coaches, parents, and childcare providers by expanding the definition of who holds a "position of trust" over a child. Under the new rules, these individuals face stricter sentencing guidelines, including mandatory minimum prison terms and bans on probation or parole, regardless of whether the abuse occurred while they were actively in their role. The legislation also removes the ability for prosecutors to delay cases or place them on file, ensuring that charges proceed without interruption. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a child under 18 cannot legally consent to sexual conduct by someone in a position of authority.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill strengthens hiring rules for schools and independent contractors to prevent sexual abuse by requiring specific background checks for anyone working directly with children. Employers must now obtain written consent from applicants to contact their current and former employers, asking for details about any past investigations into abuse or sexual misconduct, as well as any job losses or license revocations related to such allegations. The law also mandates that schools verify an applicant's professional certifications and check for any history of professional discipline. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for applicants who provide false information or intentionally hide material facts about their past conduct.

Senate, July 30, 2024 -- Text of amendment (25) (offered by Senator Keenan) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2898) to the Senate Bill relative to accessing harm reduction initiatives

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to allow homeowners aged 65 or older to defer paying property taxes if their income is low enough. To qualify, seniors must own their home as their primary residence and have gross receipts that do not exceed the income threshold for a single filer or a married couple. The key mechanism requires these homeowners to sign a formal agreement with the local board of assessors, which allows them to postpone tax payments in exchange for paying the deferred amount plus interest before selling the property or upon the owner's death. The agreement includes specific rules, such as limiting deferred taxes to 50% of the property's value and ensuring that heirs or a surviving spouse must pay the accumulated taxes and interest to keep the home. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board of assessors notify enrolled property owners of application deadlines and requires written approval from any joint owners or mortgage holders before the deferral agreement is finalized.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2412) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mark C. Montigny and Antonio F. D. Cabral for legislation to authorize the city of New Bedford to grant a utility easement to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for commercial kennels and dog daycares by establishing a dedicated fund to support efforts in reducing homeless animal populations. It requires kennel owners to obtain a license before operating and mandates that these facilities pass an inspection by an animal control officer before the license is issued or renewed. The legislation also empowers local officials to inspect kennels at least once a year and creates a process for citizens to petition for hearings if they believe a kennel is causing a nuisance through excessive barking or other conditions. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create detailed regulations covering facility requirements, staff training, and safety protocols for businesses that board or train dogs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to file charges for certain rape offenses even if the standard time limit for filing has passed. It applies specifically to cases where the suspect's identity was discovered after the deadline using DNA evidence collected from the crime scene. The law requires that DNA evidence kits be kept for at least 15 years to support these potential future prosecutions. This change directly affects how sexual assault cases are handled when new DNA technology or records help identify suspects long after the original crime.