By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1513) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. and Barry R. Finegold for legislation to establish a task force to study the sustainability of emergency medical services. Public Health.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2562) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner and Justin Thurber for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges, an employee of the department of correction. Public Service.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly A. Dooner, Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman and others for legislation to enhance background checks for early education providers. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 574) expands protections for domestic violence victims by extending workplace leave and safety measures to contract workers. It defines "contract worker" as individuals hired through third parties (like staffing agencies) but not classified as direct employees under current law, and "client employer" as businesses using such workers. The key change amends existing law to require both direct employers and client employers to permit "employees or contract workers" to take leave or adjust schedules for domestic violence protections. This directly affects contract workers in industries like temporary staffing, who previously lacked these safeguards under Massachusetts law. The bill modifies Chapter 149, Section 52E, to close a coverage gap without creating new funding or penalties.
By Mrs. Dooner (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Larry Quintal for legislation to ensure uniform treatment of vote by mail ballots. Election Laws.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1753) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Paul K. Frost, David T. Vieira and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit Class C synthetic chemical substance, or agent that has mind altering or mood changing effects in correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThe bill SD 2696 proposes amending the charter of the town of Seekonk. The official abstract states it is a petition for legislation to amend the town's charter, with local approval received from Seekonk. However, the provided abstract does not specify the exact changes to the charter, such as which provisions are being modified or how the amendment would affect town governance or residents. Without further details on the specific charter provisions being altered, a summary of concrete policy changes cannot be provided.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Michael O. Moore, Mark C. Montigny, Patrick Joseph Kearney and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Senate, May 20, 2025 -- Text of amendment (245) (offered by Senator Fattman) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts gas laws to stop utility companies from passing the costs of connecting new customers to existing gas lines onto all ratepayers. Instead, the person requesting the new service must pay the full cost of the connection unless they can prove there is no technically feasible alternative to using natural gas or meet specific critical economic or industrial needs. The law requires the state energy department to consider climate goals and energy efficiency when approving gas rates and mandates that all utility tariffs be updated by July 2029 to reflect these new rules.
