Sen. Brendan Crighton

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires manufacturers, dealers, and rental companies to install safety features in cars with keyless ignition systems and internal combustion engines. The law mandates that these vehicles automatically shut off after idling for a specific period set by state officials and includes an external warning system to alert drivers if they leave the car with the engine running. Additionally, rental companies must explicitly instruct customers on how these safety features work before they rent out a vehicle. The designated idle time will be determined by the state registrar and secretary of transportation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, with potential variations based on the vehicle type.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' Move Over Law to include utility vehicles alongside existing maintenance vehicles. The law requires drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency or utility workers on the roadside. Specifically, it defines utility vehicles as those used for emergency repairs or installation of communications, electric, or gas services by employees or contractors of relevant utility companies. This change ensures that drivers must exercise caution when approaching utility crews performing critical infrastructure work.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for the MBTA to fully electrify its commuter rail system by December 31, 2035. It mandates that lines serving environmental justice communities be prioritized for early conversion, with specific interim deadlines set for the Fairmount, Newburyport/Rockport, Framingham/Worcester, and Middleborough/Lakeville lines. The legislation also requires the MBTA to maintain service frequency standards and outlines a phased approach for expanding electric operations to all remaining routes by the final deadline.

Senate, March 7, 2024 --The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2212) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to the Move Over Law; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2240) of Anne M. Gobi for legislation relative to updating the state "Move Over" law; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3329) of Kenneth I. Gordon relative to the move over law; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3479) of Steven George Xiarhos and Jessica Ann Giannino relative to the move over law, so-called, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2639).

Senate, February 29, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to healthy youth (Senate, No. 2692) (being the text of Senate, No. 2686, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts prevailing wage laws to include offsite fabrication work for public projects, ensuring that workers building components like pipes, wiring, and modular units at factories receive the same wage protections as those working on construction sites. It defines offsite fabrication as non-standard items produced specifically for a project and mandates that contractors submit weekly certified payroll records detailing employee wages, hours, and the specific location where the work was performed. By applying existing penalties and reporting requirements to these offsite activities, the legislation aims to standardize labor standards across both on-site construction and off-site manufacturing processes for qualified public works.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve Massachusetts' paid family and medical leave program by updating how employers handle leave requests and enhancing data tracking. It requires employers to inform employees of their eligibility for paid leave within five business days and to provide necessary forms in the employee's primary language. The legislation also expands the types of employer policies that count toward meeting leave requirements and mandates more detailed reporting on claim demographics and processing times.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to formally recognize employees of the MBTA advisory board as eligible for retirement benefits under the Massachusetts retirement system. By updating legal definitions in Chapter 32 and related statutes, the legislation ensures that individuals whose time is devoted to the advisory board's duties are included alongside regular MBTA employees for pension purposes. The measure is designated as an emergency law to immediately establish these benefits for current and future advisory board staff.