Sen. Mike Moore

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how unemployment insurance costs are calculated for employers in Massachusetts who hire replacement workers. Specifically, it applies to situations where an employee is hired to fill a position while another worker takes leave under the state's family and medical leave law. If the replacement worker is later let go when the original employee returns to their job, the bill requires that the unemployment insurance charges for that separation be paid from the state's solvency fund instead of increasing the employer's experience rating. This change aims to prevent these specific separations from raising the insurance premiums that employers pay for their workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new technical advisory committee to identify communities with high exposure to traffic-related air pollution and establish specific definitions for pollutants like black carbon and ultrafine particles. The Department of Environmental Protection is required to install at least eight new air monitors in these identified hotspots by June 2026 and make the data publicly available. Additionally, the law mandates that the department establish baseline air quality measurements for these areas by June 2027 to better track pollution levels. These changes directly affect residents living near major highways and aim to improve air quality monitoring in areas burdened by pollution.

March 11, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1382) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Vanna Howard, Sal N. DiDomenico, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by transportation pollution; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2131) of Christine P. Barber, Mike Connolly and others for legislation to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by pollution, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2682).

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts State Retirement Board to grant a mandatory retirement to Richard D'Auria, a University of Massachusetts police officer. The legislation applies because D'Auria has suffered a cardiac disability while performing his official duties, which renders him unable to carry out essential police responsibilities. By invoking the state's "Heart Law," the bill ensures his retirement is processed under specific provisions designed for officers disabled by heart conditions. This action secures his retirement benefits without requiring him to continue working despite his medical incapacitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to evaluate the total cost of road projects, including initial construction and future maintenance, when spending over one million dollars. It mandates that the department design such projects using both asphalt and plain jointed cementitious concrete, then select the material with the lowest long-term cost. Additionally, the law requires the department to build at least four demonstration projects using plain jointed cementitious concrete annually for ten years to gather real-world performance data. These demonstration projects must meet specific goals related to durability, ride quality, or noise reduction and include annual reports comparing their effectiveness to standard methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to include specific law enforcement groups, such as those at the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Port Authority, in existing disability protections for police officers. The primary change extends these protections to officers who become disabled due to cardiac disease, ensuring they receive the same benefits as those injured on the job. By updating the list of covered agencies, the legislation broadens the scope of who qualifies for these specific disability provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes independent public pension systems in Massachusetts to sell their investments in fossil fuel companies, directly affecting retirement funds not managed by the state's main investment board. It defines "fossil fuel companies" as those in the coal, integrated oil and gas, or oil and gas exploration sectors and allows these funds to divest from them or invest in funds that exclude such companies. The legislation also grants these funds legal protection from conflicting rules regarding investment choices and asset managers when making decisions to divest.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law that allows cities and towns to install automated cameras on school buses to detect when vehicles pass the bus while its warning signals are active. If a community chooses to adopt this system, local officials must hold a public hearing to review accident data and costs before approving the number of cameras, and they must annually report details about the equipment and enforcement actions to the state Department of Transportation. Violations captured by these cameras result in a maximum fine of $25 for the vehicle's registered owner, though the owner can avoid the penalty if the driver was already cited by police for the same incident. Additionally, the bill ensures that these specific violations do not appear on the driver's operating record or affect their auto insurance premiums.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific deadlines for Massachusetts to transition its public school bus and fleet vehicles to electric power. It requires that 50% of public fleets be electric by 2025, 75% by 2030, and 100% by 2035, while prioritizing vehicles serving environmental justice communities. The legislation also creates programs to encourage private fleet owners to adopt electric vehicles through goals and incentives set by state agencies. Emergency vehicles are explicitly excluded from these electrification requirements.