Sen. Mike Brady

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).

By Representative Cassidy of Brockton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Gerard J. Cassidy and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Lisa Balentine, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to update terminology and clarify staffing rules for councils on aging. It changes the phrase "problems of the aging" to "needs of older adults" and replaces the term "clerks" with "staff" when describing who these councils can employ. Additionally, the legislation allows advisory councils to hire employees as needed, provided this aligns with the municipality's specific requirements. These changes directly affect local aging councils and the state's Elder Affairs department by modernizing their legal descriptions and operational flexibility.

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts residents and local governments address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The fund is designed to cover remediation costs for municipalities, private well owners, and public water systems without requiring additional annual appropriations from the state budget. Money for the fund will come from settlements related to claims against manufacturers of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam, and any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs is responsible for administering the fund and ensuring expenditures align with existing legal settlements.

Substituted, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House No. 3984). March 7, 2024.

By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3362) of Kathleen R. LaNatra and others relative to boater safety. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Remembrance Day. The legislation is sponsored by multiple state representatives and aims to honor the lives lost and the challenges faced during the pandemic. By establishing this specific date, the bill creates a formal opportunity for the state to acknowledge the impact of the virus on Massachusetts communities. The measure does not change laws or require new funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to remember those affected by the pandemic.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax laws to explicitly include trucks, tractors, and trailers used by common carriers for interstate commerce under the definition of "rolling stock." By adding this category to specific tax chapters, the legislation ensures that the sale, storage, use, or consumption of these vehicles is subject to existing sales and use tax rules. The changes directly affect businesses that operate commercial fleets, clarifying that their heavy-duty vehicles are taxable assets rather than exempt equipment.