Senate, July 24, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities (Senate, No. 2563) (being the text of Senate, No. 137, printed as amended)
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Fairhaven to appoint retired Fairhaven police officers (who retired due to superannuation within the last 5 years) as special police officers. To qualify, retirees must pass a medical exam (paid by the officer), cannot be over 70, and must maintain certification under state training rules. Special officers are exempt from certain laws covering regular police officers, such as age limits for regular officers and specific benefit provisions, but they must follow training requirements. Their appointments are indefinite but can be terminated by the chief of police with 14 days' notice or upon reaching age 70.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Eileen Mullen, a Massachusetts teacher, receives credit for her 2010-2013 teaching service at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School toward her retirement benefits. It requires the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board to count this service time for calculating her retirement allowance, overriding standard rules. Mullen must repay the retirement system for the deductions she would have paid during that period, plus interest, before her retirement benefits take effect. The bill applies solely to Mullen and does not affect her other retirement benefits.
Senate, July 31, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581) (being the text of Senate document numbered 2561, printed as amended)
Maddy summaryHD 4825 establishes the official charter for the Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, defining its government structure and powers. The charter creates a "Town Meeting-Select Board-Town Administrator" system, with a five-member Select Board elected at large for three-year terms (overlapping) to set policy and appoint the Town Administrator. It details the Select Board's authority over budgets, appointments, and oversight, while the Town Administrator handles day-to-day operations under the Board's direction. This document directly affects Fairhaven residents by governing how local government operates and makes decisions.
Senate, April 30, 2026 - Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Montigny) to the House Bill relative to the charter of the town of Fairhaven (House, No. 4232).
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 262) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to protect life-saving electronic health records from reckless corporate greed and corruption. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new compensation program for victims of human trafficking and forced labor in Massachusetts. Victims can receive up to $25,000 in lost income compensation (capped at $12,500 annually for two years) from the Victims of Crime Compensation Division, based on the state minimum wage for up to 40 hours weekly. It removes common barriers by not requiring official employment documentation (accepting alternative evidence like sworn statements) and explicitly prevents criminal charges related to trafficking from disqualifying victims. The compensation also won't count as income for other state or federal benefit programs, and the division must adopt guidelines within 190 days to streamline applications.
Senate, April 1, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1109) of Barry R. Finegold, Mark C. Montigny and Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to preventing suicide, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3027)
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.
