Sen. Jake Oliveira

Senate, June 25, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Bills in the Third Reading to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee (Senate, No. 652); reports, recommending that the same be amended as follows, and that, when so amended, it will be correctly drawn:-- by substituting a new draft entitled "An Act amending the membership of the Quabbin watershed advisory committee" (Senate, No. 3133)

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1613) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide access to health transportation for vulnerable patients. Public Health.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1620) of Michael F. Rush and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to protect children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to improve safety training and enforcement for workers involved in cutting, welding, and hot works processes. It requires state-approved training programs that include digital verification systems, multilingual instruction, and ongoing education, while also creating a public record of non-compliance that alerts property owners and insurers. The legislation significantly increases penalties for violations, raising fines up to $10,000 for repeat offenders and introducing potential prison time, and it establishes stricter criminal charges for reckless actions that result in serious injury or death.

Maddy summarySD 1113 provides paid family and medical leave for all educators employed by Massachusetts school districts or education collaboratives. The bill specifically defines these educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for leave purposes. School districts will fund their required contributions to the leave program using existing income surtax revenue (from Chapter 62), not from general operating budgets. This ensures educators can take paid leave for family or medical needs without impacting their employment benefits or health insurance coverage.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1681) of James B. Eldridge, Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Robyn K. Kennedy and other members of the Senate for legislation to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes designating the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball as Massachusetts' official sedimentary structure. Introduced by Rep. Susannah Whipps and colleagues, it is a symbolic measure with no regulatory, administrative, or policy impact. The legislation serves purely as a ceremonial recognition without altering laws or affecting any stakeholders. It falls under procedural designation, not substantive policy change.

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1609) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Colleen M. Garry for legislation relative to the regulation of Kratom, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3198).

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1609) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Colleen M. Garry for legislation relative to the regulation of Kratom. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear guidelines for school library materials in Massachusetts. It requires school staff to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness - not personal views - and sets a formal process for challenging removals: a public hearing must occur before a school committee can remove materials, only if they lack educational value or are inappropriate for students. Schools must create and post written policies following American Library Association standards, and staff cannot face disciplinary action for selections made in good faith. The bill directly affects school libraries, staff, students, and parents involved in material challenges.