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 Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to enhance transparency in electric bills. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 513) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to establish the state primary to the second Tuesday of May. Election Laws.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2135) of Ryan C. Fattman and David K. Muradian, Jr. for legislation to provide for the disposition of certain property in the town of Upton. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts teacher retirement system rules to ensure continuity for educators. It requires that teachers moving to roles in the Executive Office of Education or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retain their teacher retirement status without service interruption, with provisions for making up any contribution differences. It also creates a one-time 180-day window for certain teachers (who joined before July 2001 and didn't opt into an alternative retirement plan) to switch to that program. Additionally, the bill allows school districts to temporarily hire retired teachers during staff shortages, though this service doesn't count toward retirement credits. These changes primarily affect current and retired teachers employed in Massachusetts public schools or education agencies.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 420) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to supporting student participation in 4-H programs. Education.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 350) of Ryan C. Fattman, Katie Ferriera-Aubin, , Marc T. Lombardo and David F. DeCoste for legislation to ensure that no public school shall require any student athlete on a single-sex sports team to participate in a match, or any part thereof, against an opposing team that includes one or more athletes of the opposite sex. Education.
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.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 134) of Adam Gomez, James B. Eldridge, Dylan A. Fernandes, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish an acquired brain injury advisory board. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
