Sen. Mike Moore

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to prevent local municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units, such as backyard apartments, on single-family lots occupied by the owner. It requires cities and towns to allow these units as a standard right rather than mandating a special permit, thereby removing local restrictions that previously blocked their construction. Additionally, the legislation updates zoning amendment rules to streamline the approval process for multifamily housing and mixed-use developments in eligible areas. By centralizing these permitting standards, the bill aims to increase housing supply while limiting the ability of local governments to prohibit these specific types of residential additions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide blue alert system in Massachusetts to be used when law enforcement is searching for a suspect wanted for the serious injury or death of a police officer, state trooper, or other law enforcement official. The executive office of public safety is tasked with coordinating the implementation of this system, which will involve developing protocols for activating alerts across the Commonwealth. The legislation defines the specific terms used in the new system and designates law enforcement agencies investigating crimes against officers as the entities responsible for triggering the alert.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to require new single-family and two-family homes to be equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems. If a municipality chooses to adopt this rule, it would apply to any new residential building with a permit issued one year after the town accepts the law, but it does not mandate sprinklers for existing homes. The local fire department head would be responsible for enforcing these requirements, and property owners could appeal decisions regarding the installation to a local board of appeals. Additionally, the bill clarifies that seasonal shut-offs of these sprinkler systems, when approved by the state fire prevention board, will not be considered a violation of fire safety codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the laws governing the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board to ensure better representation and broader accessibility standards for people with disabilities. It requires that the board include specific members, such as licensed architects and building inspectors, while also mandating that three members be selected in consultation with disability advocacy groups. The legislation directs the board to update rules so that new and renovated buildings, including parking areas, have adequate accessible features like proper turning radii for wheelchairs. Additionally, it sets a requirement that at least five percent of units in large residential buildings be fully accessible, with flexibility for areas where local needs differ.

March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1388) of John F. Keenan, Lydia Edwards, John C. Velis, Kay Khan and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to recovery coach licensure, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2681).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal cause of action for wrongful discharge in Massachusetts, allowing employees to sue if they are fired for refusing to break the law, terminated without valid reason after a probationary period, or dismissed in violation of their employer's written personnel policies. The law defines key terms such as "constructive discharge" and "good cause" to clarify what constitutes a wrongful termination, while explicitly excluding independent contractors and those with specific employment contracts. If an employee successfully proves a wrongful discharge, they may receive up to four years of lost wages and fringe benefits, though the bill strictly limits recoverable damages and excludes claims for emotional distress or pain and suffering.

By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2291) of Christine P. Barber, Michael J. Moran and others relative to the availability of adaptable housing for consumers with disabilities, mobility impairments and seniors. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of a person with a developmental disability in Massachusetts to clarify eligibility criteria for state services. It establishes that the condition must involve severe, chronic impairments appearing before age 22 that limit functioning in at least three major life areas, such as self-care, learning, or mobility. The legislation also specifies that individuals under five with a high probability of developing such disabilities are included if they do not receive necessary services. Additionally, the law clarifies that having a developmental disability does not automatically mean a person is mentally ill, ensuring these conditions are treated as distinct categories. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to classify neonatal abstinence syndrome as a closely related development condition, thereby making affected children eligible for state support services. Additionally, it requires the department to create new regulations that improve coordination between different agencies to ensure continuity of care and access to health services for individuals aging out of the program. By updating official definitions and mandating better interagency cooperation, the legislation aims to provide a more comprehensive support system for children born with this condition and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows teachers and public school employees in Massachusetts who joined the retirement system before July 1, 2001, but never chose an alternative retirement plan, to make a one-time election to join that alternative program. To qualify, individuals must have started contributing to the Teachers' Retirement System or the Boston Retirement System on or before that same 2001 date. Those eligible must make their choice between July 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, or before they retire if they apply for benefits earlier. If they choose to participate, they will contribute 11 percent of their salary to the plan and may need to pay back contributions from the time they originally joined the system.