By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation relative to the Blackstone Valley vocational regional school district. Public Service.
By Mr. Fattman (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Normand Champigny, for legislation relative to the right to farm. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to adjust how school districts calculate funding for special education students who move during the school year. Currently, districts lose budget support if a student transfers after April 1, but this change extends the deadline to March 1 to help districts retain funding for the remainder of the academic year. The update directly affects school districts in Massachusetts that serve students with special needs who relocate mid-year. By shifting the cutoff date, the legislation aims to provide more financial stability for districts managing these transitions.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum required auto insurance coverage limits for drivers in Massachusetts. Specifically, it would raise the mandatory bodily injury liability limits from $20,000 to $50,000 per person and from $40,000 to $100,000 per accident, while also increasing the minimum property damage liability limit from $5,000 to $30,000. These changes would directly affect all vehicle owners and drivers in the state who are required by law to carry compulsory insurance. The legislation aims to ensure that drivers have higher financial protection for injuries and property damage caused in accidents.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers. Public Service.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).
Senate, May 20, 2024 -- The committee on Financial Services, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 606) of Brendan P. Crighton, Mathew J. Muratore and Danillo A. Sena for legislation relative to the compulsory automobile insurance limits, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2790).
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill updates state laws to ensure equal legal rights for all children regardless of their parents' marital status, gender, or how the child was conceived. It removes outdated language referring to "children born out of wedlock" and establishes a clear policy that every child has the same protections under the law. The legislation defines parentage through various means, including birth, adoption, court orders, and assisted reproduction, while also updating terminology to be gender-neutral. A key provision prevents a presumed parent's legal status from being challenged after the child turns two unless specific conditions, such as lack of genetic connection or multiple presumed parents, are proven.
By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3532) of Adam Scanlon, Shirley B. Arriaga and others relative to emergency medical technician certification of veterans and military medics. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect pollinators in Massachusetts by restricting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, a class of chemicals that can harm bees when present in pollen and nectar. It requires that these pesticides be applied only by certified or licensed applicators and mandates that property owners receive specific warning labels and written acknowledgments before such applications occur on their land. The law explicitly exempts pet care products, personal care items, indoor pest controls, and industrial health-related treatments from these restrictions. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is directed to replace non-native turf grasses around its solar energy installations with native plant communities designed to attract honey bees and other pollinators.
