Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Financial Services to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 735) of James B. Eldridge, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to establish the Debt Collection Fairness Act, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2537).
Maddy summaryS 2551 creates new protections for consumers facing wage garnishment for consumer debt. It requires that 90% of a worker’s weekly wages (or 65 times the state/federal minimum hourly wage) be exempt from garnishment, with additional hardship exemptions available through a court process. The bill also prohibits employers from firing or refusing to hire workers due to consumer debt garnishments and exempts child support payments from collection. These changes directly affect consumers with wage garnishment orders, employers, and debt collectors operating in Massachusetts.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 586) of James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to maintain adequate water supplies through effective drought management. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools (pre-K through 12) and child care centers to annually test drinking water outlets for lead. If lead levels exceed one part per billion (the safe limit), schools must immediately shut off affected outlets, install certified filters at all drinking water points within 18 months, and replace water fountains with filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 75 students). Schools must also submit remediation plans and test results to state environmental and health agencies, post findings publicly online, and notify parents and staff of any lead issues. These measures ensure schools take concrete, timely action to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water sources.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 153) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to cueing and supervision in the personal care attendant program. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 150) of Joan B. Lovely and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to persons with developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities. It creates a Hunger-Free Campus Trust Fund to provide funding for institutions meeting specific requirements, such as having campus staff for food assistance access, accepting federal nutrition benefits at on-campus vendors, and implementing meal credit sharing programs. Institutions must meet income-based criteria for grant levels and report on program activities annually. The program director will develop guidelines, and participating institutions must report on student engagement and outcomes to state officials.
Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 939) of Joan B. Lovely, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the hunger-free campus initiative that would provide grants to institutions of public higher education to address student food insecurity and hunger, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2535).
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 735) of James B. Eldridge, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to establish the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Financial Services.
By Ms. Lovely (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Elizabeth Bradt, Julie Breskin, Jeff Gross, Ian McLeod and others for legislation to establish offices of legislative research and fiscal analysis. Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.
