Sen. Ryan Fattman

By Representatives Soter of Bellingham and McKenna of Webster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3986) of Michael J. Soter and Joseph D. McKenna (by vote of the town) relative to changing the name of the board of selectmen to select board in the town of Uxbridge. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study ways to improve pollinator health by expanding native habitats across Massachusetts. The commission will examine opportunities in various settings, including farms, forests, parks, and urban areas, to support a wide range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Composed of 11 members representing government agencies, universities, and advocacy groups, the commission must submit its findings and any proposed laws to state committees by March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals and birthing facilities to perform a saliva or urine test on newborns within 21 days of birth to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The law mandates that parents receive educational materials about cCMV and screening options at their first prenatal appointment or preconception visit. Healthcare providers must also be supplied with evidence-based information regarding preventative measures and support resources. Parents or guardians who object to the screening based on sincerely held religious beliefs are exempt from the requirement. The Department of Public Health is tasked with developing specific regulations for this program within one year of the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Massachusetts law regarding postural screenings in public schools by changing the grade levels where these exams are required. Currently, students in grades five through nine must receive these screenings, but the legislation would shift the requirement to students in grades six through nine. The change directly affects school administrators and health professionals who conduct these assessments, ensuring that the screening process aligns with the updated grade structure. By amending Section 57 of Chapter 71 in the General Laws, the bill modifies the specific grades targeted for these health checks without altering the nature of the screenings themselves.

By Representative Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2533) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others relative to death benefits for surviving spouses of call and volunteer firefighters. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal Section 57 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which currently prohibits hunting on Sundays. By removing this specific legal restriction, the legislation would allow residents to hunt on Sundays in areas where it is otherwise permitted. The change directly affects hunters and landowners in Massachusetts who wish to participate in hunting activities on weekends. No new hunting seasons or specific rules are added; the bill simply lifts the existing ban on Sunday hunting.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to allow deer hunting on Sundays during the designated open deer hunting season. Currently, hunting regulations generally prohibit taking game on Sundays, but this legislation would create a specific exception for deer. The change would directly affect hunters and wildlife managers by modifying the days on which deer may be legally pursued.

By Representative Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2574) of Meghan Kilcoyne and Ryan C. Fattman relative to including call firefighter in the public employee retirement law. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how elected officials in the town of Blackstone can access town health and life insurance. It requires new officials who receive a stipend to pay the full cost of their insurance coverage plus any administrative fees, rather than sharing the cost with the town. However, the Town Clerk and Treasurer-Collector are exempt from this rule and will continue to pay the same portion as other town employees. The changes will only apply to officials who take office after the law passes, leaving current officials unaffected.