Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 921) of Joanne M. Comerford and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to facilitate student financial assistance and establish the FAFSA Trust Fund, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2533).
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 882) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require MassHealth to make Graduate Medical Education payments. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1414) is a proposed constitutional amendment to change voting rights, introduced by Senator Liz Miranda. The official abstract states it seeks to amend the state constitution regarding election laws but does not specify the exact changes. Without details on the proposed provisions (such as voter eligibility, registration processes, or ballot access), the specific mechanisms or who would be directly affected cannot be described. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it requires approval by voters after legislative passage, but the summary lacks concrete policy details. The provided context does not include the amendment's substance, so a factual summary of its content is not possible.
Senate, December 19, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Resolve to establish a Massachusetts Cabo Verdean Cultural Center (Senate, No. 2192),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "Resolve to establish a commission to investigate and study the feasibility of establishing a Massachusetts Cabo Verdean Cultural Center" (Senate, No. 2995).
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to require large tax-exempt organizations to make payments in lieu of property taxes. Specifically, it mandates that organizations with property valued at $15 million or more pay 25% of the taxes they would owe if they were not exempt. The law gives municipalities the option to adopt this rule and requires them to create local agreements that can include exemptions for community benefits or other arrangements. It directly affects local governments seeking additional revenue and large non-profit or religious entities that currently do not pay property taxes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special legislative commission to study the feasibility of building a Massachusetts Cabo Verdean Cultural Center in Boston. The commission will investigate different ways to establish the center, such as forming a nonprofit organization, and will consider the costs involved. Its members will include representatives from the state legislature, the mayor, the governor, and community members, with a focus on including Cabo Verdean descendants. The group must complete its investigation and submit a report with recommendations by December 31, 2024.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2958) of Liz Miranda (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to direct the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officer for Antonio Pires. Public Service. [Local approval received.]
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2953) of Liz Miranda (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to direct the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officer for Maugelin Verdieu. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care employers in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. To achieve this, facilities must conduct annual risk assessments in cooperation with employees and labor unions to identify specific dangers, such as working in public areas or guarding property. The legislation defines workplace violence to include unpermitted touching, attempts to use physical force, or threatening behavior that causes fear of future harm. These measures apply to a wide range of settings, including hospitals and state correctional facilities, while explicitly excluding certain outpatient services like clinics and dialysis centers.
