Sen. Joan Lovely

By Representative Parisella of Beverly, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4455) of Jerald A. Parisella and Joan B. Lovely (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the retirement classification of certain employees of the city of Beverly. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to replace outdated terms like "handicapped" and "mentally retarded" with modern, person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disabilities." The legislation directly affects various statutes within Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover areas including employment, veterans' benefits, and general disability protections. By systematically changing these specific words throughout the legal code, the bill ensures that official state documents use respectful and current terminology when referring to people with disabilities.

Senate, December 26, 2024 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Lovely) to the House Bill relative to the transfer of real property from the Silver Lake regional school district to the town of Kingston (House, No. 4874).

Senate, December 19, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill establish the Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem (Senate, No. 2335),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft (Senate, No. 2996).

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure (House, No. 4758), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5143).

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a permanent museum dedicated to the Massachusetts National Guard, located in Salem. It designates Salem as the federal birthplace of the National Guard and establishes the museum as the official military museum for the state. The legislation amends state law to formally recognize and fund this new institution, which will serve as a historical resource for veterans and the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance and health laws to improve pain management and substance use disorder treatment for public employees and medical professionals. It requires group insurance plans for state workers to cover non-opioid pain treatments, such as acupuncture and behavioral therapy, without needing prior approval, and mandates that opioid reversal drugs and recovery coach services be fully covered with no deductibles or copayments. Additionally, the legislation mandates that doctors and pharmacists complete specific training on non-opioid pain alternatives and overdose prevention, while requiring pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of opioid antagonists.

By Representative Cruz of Salem and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4398) of Manny Cruz and Joan B. Lovely (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to include the city of Salem designated port area as part of the Salem Harbor Port Area. Transportation. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4174) seeks legislative approval for a condominium conversion ordinance already adopted by the City of Salem's mayor and city council. It does not create new rules but formally authorizes the existing local ordinance governing how residential buildings can be converted into condominiums within Salem. The bill directly affects property owners, developers, and residents in Salem considering or undergoing such conversions under the city's established process. The key mechanism is the state-level approval required for the city's local ordinance to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Salem to convert an existing annual license for selling wine and malt beverages to a license allowing the sale of all alcoholic beverages on the premises for Flying Saucer Pizza Company. The conversion is subject to specific rules, including a prohibition on transferring the license to a different location and requirements that the business maintain good standing with state revenue and unemployment departments. The legislation also establishes a fee for this conversion, with any amount collected above the standard renewal fee directed to the city's economic development account.