Rep. Mark Sylvia

Maddy summaryHD 584 amends a 1953 retirement law to add Plymouth County to the list of counties covered for certain employees' retirement rights. Specifically, it inserts "or the county of Plymouth" after "county of Barnstable" in the existing provision. This technical correction directly affects employees working as assistant criminal identification officers in Plymouth County, expanding their eligibility under the retirement law. The bill makes no new policy changes beyond updating the geographic scope of an existing provision.

Maddy summaryHD 2720 amends Chapter 32 of the General Laws to explicitly include city and town employees serving as Harbormasters and Assistant Harbormasters (appointed under Chapter 102) in a specific provision. This technical amendment updates the legal definition within an existing section, directly affecting municipal harbormaster positions. The key change adds the phrase "employees of a city or town who are employed as Harbormasters and assistant Harbormasters, and appointed pursuant to chapter 102 of the General Laws" after "Cushing hospital" in the relevant law. It does not create new programs or funding but clarifies who is covered under the provision. This is a procedural update to ensure harbormasters are explicitly included in the law's scope.

Maddy summaryHD 2392 requires telephone and distribution companies (as defined in Chapter 164 of Massachusetts General Laws) to file annual reports by April 1 each year, starting in 2027. These reports must detail double pole counts, attachment transfers, unlicensed attachments, and timelines/costs for removing existing double poles. The companies must also provide a list of communities using the statewide notification system for pole attachment transfers. The report requirements apply indefinitely, with the first report covering data as of December 31, 2026.

Senate, April 1, 2026 -- The committee on The Judiciary to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1109) of Barry R. Finegold, Mark C. Montigny and Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to preventing suicide, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3027)

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1109) of Barry R. Finegold, Mark C. Montigny and Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to preventing suicide. The Judiciary.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1484) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny, Danillo A. Sena, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1485) creates a new criminal offense for individuals who knowingly have a relationship of control over someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and then intentionally encourage or assist that person in dying by suicide. It specifically targets two scenarios: (1) using control (e.g., manipulation or undue influence) to coerce a suicidal person, or (2) providing the means or actively aiding in a suicide attempt. The law does not apply to licensed physicians providing medical treatment, and it prevents double punishment if a defendant is also charged with manslaughter. The bill directly affects individuals with close, controlling relationships to someone in crisis, imposing up to 5 years in prison for violations.

Maddy summaryHD 1828 requires employers to provide new written wage notices within 10 days of hire, detailing pay rates, pay schedules, and business contact information in the employee's preferred language. It creates joint liability for wage theft among lead contractors, labor contractors, and subcontractors, holding their officers personally accountable. The Attorney General gains new enforcement powers to sue for treble damages, lost wages, and attorney fees on behalf of affected workers. The bill also adjusts unemployment benefits to account for unpaid wages during the benefit calculation period.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new hourly compensation rates for attorneys representing indigent clients in Massachusetts. It establishes specific rates: $150 for homicide cases, $105 for non-homicide superior court cases, $73 for district court cases, and $90 for family law, children's, mental health, and sex offender registry cases. The rates must be reviewed every three years through public hearings involving bar associations and interested groups. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to all attorneys appointed under the private counsel division of the committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to conduct a feasibility study on restoring year-round daily commuter rail service between Boston and several Cape Cod towns. The study will evaluate costs, infrastructure needs, funding options, and environmental impacts while considering existing commuting patterns. If the study finds the service feasible, the MBTA must create a schedule with at least one morning and one evening weekday trip between Buzzards Bay and South Station. The department must submit a report on the findings to state officials within nine months of the bill taking effect.