Maddy summaryThis bill ensures teachers who move from classroom roles to positions at the Executive Office of Education or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retain their status in the teacher retirement system (or Boston retirement system), avoiding a switch to the state employees' retirement system. It requires such employees to pay makeup contributions for the difference in retirement payments between systems during their time in state education roles. Additionally, it creates a one-time 180-day opportunity for eligible teachers (who began contributing before July 2001 and didn’t choose an alternative retirement program) to join a specific retirement benefit program. The bill directly affects current and future educators transitioning to state education agency jobs, focusing on maintaining retirement benefits and contribution continuity.
Sen. Joan Lovely
Sponsored bills
By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program for certain children. Public Health.
Senate, June 1, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act of 2025 (Senate, No. 2579),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices" (Senate, No. 3050).
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (544) (offered by Senator Feeney) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (402) (offered by Senator DiDomenico) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Senate, July 23, 2026 -- Text of amendment (511) (offered by Senator Creem) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3178) to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth.
Maddy summaryH 5046 ("Freddy’s Law") requires all Massachusetts high school athletes participating in MIAA sports to undergo one electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before competing, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that all health insurance plans sold in Massachusetts - including state employee coverage, employer group plans, and individual policies - must cover this screening at no cost to families. It also directs the state to work with the MIAA to create policies covering athlete compliance, handling abnormal results, religious exemptions, and sharing screening results across schools. The law directly affects all high school athletes in MIAA sports and their insurance providers, ensuring EKG screenings are accessible without out-of-pocket costs.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1949) of Julian Cyr, John F. Keenan and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to protect youth by closing the synthetic nicotine loophole. Revenue.
By Mr. Crighton (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1944) of Thomas Egan and Sean Reid for legislation to exempt private pension income from taxation. Revenue.
Maddy summaryH 4767 requires health care employers in Massachusetts (including hospitals, mental health facilities, and certain state-operated care facilities) to create and maintain workplace violence prevention programs. Employers must conduct annual risk assessments covering factors like working alone, high-crime areas, and patient behavior, then develop written plans with employee training, reporting systems, and crisis response teams. The law mandates specific provisions such as staff training on reporting violence, post-incident debriefings, and designated senior managers for crisis response. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per offense, and employees cannot be retaliated against for reporting safety concerns.