Sen. Mike Brady

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1791) of Michael D. Brady for legislation relative to local public housing authorities access to the dental and vision insurance plan managed by the group insurance commission. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (like state fire departments, cities, towns, or fire districts) to provide full-time firefighters with cancer screenings starting three years after they begin working and every three years thereafter. It directly affects firefighters employed by Massachusetts fire departments, including those at military reservations, air bases, and specific regional zones. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers (such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate), with all costs covered by the employer's health plan - no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for firefighters. This mandates a regular, employer-funded health benefit without requiring firefighter contributions.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1742) of Michael O. Moore and David T. Vieira for legislation relative to technical rescue services. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryHD 944 creates a property tax exemption for senior citizens in Massachusetts municipalities that adopt the law. It directly affects seniors aged 65+ (or 60+ with a spouse 65+) who own and live in their home as their primary residence, meet income limits tied to the circuit breaker tax credit, and have owned the property in the municipality for 10+ years. The exemption amount, set annually by local officials between 50-200% of the circuit breaker credit, is applied to the homeowner’s primary residence and is in addition to existing exemptions. Municipalities must adopt the law to implement it, and applicants must file annual applications with proof of income and assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.

Filed by Mr. Brady -- Order relative to granting the committee on Public Service until March 17, 2026 within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to public service matters.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1780) of Bruce E. Tarr, David T. Vieira and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to create the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 173) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard and John F. Keenan for legislation to promote downtown vitality. Community Development and Small Businesses.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1650) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mindy Domb, Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation to create a Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1712) of Edward J. Kennedy, David T. Vieira and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to establish a public safety building authority and assistance program. Public Safety and Homeland Security.