$865,000 SETTLEMENT FOR VIOLATING BAY STATE EMPLOYMENT LAWS

By Bob Katzen

Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced that her office has reached a settlement with online grocery-delivery company Weee, resolving allegations that it violated Massachusetts employment laws pertaining to employee classification and earned sick time. As part of the settlement, Weee has agreed to pay over $865,000 in citations, including restitution for over 160 impacted workers and penalties.

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SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING (H 2302)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would increase the amount of funds that a school district can stash away in a reserve account during good fiscal times to help alleviate the fiscal burden of paying for special education during difficult fiscal times. The measure would increase the amount allowed from 2 percent to 5 percent of the district’s annual budget.
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REPRODUCTIVE AND TRANSGENDER CARE PROTECTIONS – THE SHIELD ACT (H 4271)

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law the “Shield Act” which would prohibit state agencies, employees and law enforcement from cooperating with investigations by other states or the federal government, into reproductive or gender affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts.

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APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (S 3)

By Bob Katzen
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Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment to the current law, known as the MBTA Communities Act, which according to the state’s website, requires that an MBTA community “must have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria including minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; and a location not more than 1/2 mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. No age restrictions can be applied and the district must be suitable for families with children.”
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3.5 MILLION FOR DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for the Department of Mental Health (DMH) by $3.5 million (from $15.5 million to $19 million) to support diversion programs that offer treatment alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. It also directs the DMH to update regulations to improve discharge protocols for patients leaving mental health and substance use facilities that are overseen by the state.
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