By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely relative to student access to food and nutritional information. Higher Education.
By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
Senate, May 18, 2026 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1303) of Lydia Edwards, Paul W. Mark and Vanna Howard for legislation to provide opportunities for apprentices to complete their training and ensuring for a skilled workforce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3076).
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on Massachusetts construction projects exceeding $1 million to gradually increase the proportion of work performed by apprentices in approved training programs. Starting six months after the bill's passage, 5% of the total hourly work must be done by apprentices, rising to 10% after one year and 15% after two years. It applies to all employees directly on-site who receive hourly wages and are subject to prevailing wage laws. The requirement covers projects where contractors or subcontractors are directly employing workers, aiming to expand apprenticeship opportunities within the construction industry.
Maddy summaryHD 5509 allows Salem police and fire reserve personnel who joined the city's retirement system by February 11, 2020, to count their reserve, permanent-intermittent, or call service toward retirement credits without paying for it. This change applies specifically to those employed by Salem's Police or Fire Departments who became members before the specified date. The bill modifies existing retirement rules to provide automatic credit for this service time, removing a prior requirement for payment. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryS 1122 prohibits Massachusetts state and local law enforcement agencies from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities regarding detention. It requires existing collaboration agreements to end, limiting state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. This directly affects police departments, sheriffs' offices, and detention facilities that previously shared information or resources with federal immigration enforcement. The bill changes Massachusetts' approach to immigration enforcement cooperation under the framework of state sovereignty.
Maddy summaryS 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James J. O'Day relative to the manufacture and sale of toxic-free medical devices. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division to collect and publish noise complaints and flight operation data at Beverly Regional Airport annually between April and October, making the information publicly accessible on the Division's website. It also mandates the creation of a Good Neighbor policy to educate pilots and flight schools about the noise impact of training flights on nearby residents, including providing guidance materials and sample policies. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for public meetings where residents can question airport officials about noise concerns and requires all new airport badge applicants to receive a copy of the Good Neighbor policy.
