Rep. Tom Stanley

Maddy summaryHD 861 requires gas and electric utility contractors performing pipeline repairs on public infrastructure (like roads) to follow specific labor laws. It mandates utilities to obtain current wage rates from the labor department every six months for each municipality they work in. The bill also directs the labor department to create a one-year certification program for contractors and workers repairing pipelines, ensuring standardized training and safety standards across the state. This directly affects pipeline repair contractors and utilities working on public infrastructure projects.

Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 325) of David Biele and others relative to the sale of alcoholic beverages at certain venues. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryHD 1915, "An Act relative to the occupational therapist interstate licensure compact," creates a system allowing occupational therapists licensed in one participating state (the "Home State") to practice in other participating states ("Remote States") without obtaining a separate license. It establishes a "Compact Privilege" for licensed therapists, requiring participating states to share disciplinary information, conduct background checks, and maintain a central data system. This directly affects occupational therapists and assistants seeking to practice across state lines, particularly those with military service or who relocate. The bill standardizes requirements like background checks and continuing education while enabling reciprocal practice rights under the compact.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Rebecca L. Rausch, James K. Hawkins, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure law enforcement identification for public safety. 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 establishes a new bereavement leave policy for employees in the Commonwealth, allowing workers to take up to 10 business days of paid leave when a family member dies. The law defines family members broadly to include children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, and others with significant personal bonds, and permits leave to be used for funeral arrangements, attending services, or grieving. Employers must pay employees at their regular rate during this leave, maintain their benefits, and restore their position upon return, though businesses with fewer than 25 employees are exempt. The legislation also requires employers to notify staff of these rights and allows for reasonable documentation of the death, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHD 868 amends DUI-related sections of Massachusetts law to redirect portions of fines and assessments into the Head Injury Treatment Services (HITS) Trust Fund. It specifies that 75% of certain fines collected for DUI offenses (including operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and 100% of a new $250 assessment for DUI convictions must be deposited monthly into the HITS Trust Fund. This directly affects individuals convicted of DUI offenses, as their fines and assessments will fund head injury treatment services. The bill modifies existing provisions in Chapter 90 to increase the percentage of funds directed to the trust fund (from $50 to $75-$250 in specific contexts) and clarifies the deposit mechanism. The HITS Trust Fund supports services for individuals with head injuries, with no new offenses or penalties created.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 905) creates criminal penalties for knowingly filing false misconduct complaints against police officers. It makes it a felony to file such false reports, punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law requires law enforcement agencies to have complainants read and sign a written advisory stating that making a false complaint is illegal and may lead to felony prosecution. This directly affects anyone who files a complaint against a police officer, including citizens and organizations, by adding legal consequences for knowingly false allegations.