By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 239) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to certain hospitality venues. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Senate, September 11, 2025 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 164) of Michael O. Moore and Mark C. Montigny that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish the Harmony commission to study and make recommendations related to the welfare and best interests of children in care and protection cases, report the accompanying resolve (Senate, No. 2602).
The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2571).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction contractors and subcontractors working on specific public projects to use approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of winning a contract, they must join or maintain a state or U.S. Department of Labor-approved program and employ registered apprentices throughout the project. By January 1, 2025 (for most contracts), approved programs must have graduated at least three apprentices to journey worker status in the past five years. Contractors must submit written compliance proof and program details to the attorney general within 45 days of contract award. It affects all trade contractors on eligible construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair projects under specified state laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill bans the manufacture, sale, or operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons (like firearms or explosives), with penalties including prison terms of up to 15 years for repeat offenses. It also prohibits using robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain people. Key exceptions include defense contractors working under U.S. Department of Defense contracts, law enforcement using robots for specific duties like defusing explosives (with warrant requirements), and educational purposes. The law requires law enforcement to publicly report robotic device usage quarterly and obtain warrants for surveillance or property entry, while allowing civil lawsuits for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 753) increases penalties for assault and battery against specific protected groups while they are performing their duties. It directly affects healthcare personnel (like nurses), school staff (teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, psychologists), school event officials (referees), and police dogs. The law adds new provisions to criminal penalties, making it a felony to assault these individuals during work hours, with punishments including up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill targets violence against essential workers in healthcare and education settings, aiming to strengthen legal protections for them.
Maddy summarySD 285 prohibits individuals, businesses, and associations from publishing or making available on the internet the home address or unpublished home telephone number of certain public safety officials. It directly affects active, retired, or former judicial officers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and their immediate family members living in the same household. The law requires entities to remove such information within 10 business days of a valid request from an authorized person (like a court clerk or family member), with violations subject to civil penalties starting at $1,000 per violation. News media is exempt from liability for previously published content, and the law takes effect one year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum civil penalty for violating municipal ordinances from $300 to $1,000. It also creates a new court enforcement mechanism allowing cities or towns to seek civil penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs when suing to enforce local rules. Courts must consider factors like whether the violation was willful, harm caused, economic benefit to the violator, and the violator's history of noncompliance when setting penalties. The bill directly affects municipalities (cities/towns) and individuals or businesses violating local ordinances.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal collisions where the driver flees without providing details, penalties now include up to one year in jail or a $500-$1,000 fine (previously only a fine). For hit-and-runs resulting in death, penalties rise to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe). The law directly affects recreational vehicle operators who flee after causing injury or death, aiming to strengthen accountability for these specific offenses.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 167) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to maximize participation in federal nutrition programs and improve customer service. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
