2009-2010 Legislative Agenda

Massachusetts AFL-CIO 2009-2010 Legislative Agenda

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Robert J. Haynes, President

2009-2010: Safety and Security for Working Families

1. An Act for a Competitive Economy Through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals

To replace toxic chemicals in products and in the workplace where safer alternatives are economically feasible. Lead Sponsors: Senator Steven Tolman and Representative Jay Kaufman

(SB442/HB757) - EXTENSION ORDER UNTIL JUNE 15, 2010

2. An Act Relative to Modernizing and Protecting the Unemployment Insurance System

Omnibus bill to improve and strengthen the Unemployment Insurance system in Massachusetts.

Lead Sponsors: Senator Thomas McGee and Representative Martin Walsh

(SB698/HB1867) - PROVISIONS IN GOVERNOR'S BILL, EXTENSION ORDER UNTIL APRIL 30, 2010

3. An Act Establishing Paid Sick Days

An Act Establishing Paid Sick Days for workers who do not presently have them.

Lead Sponsors: Senator Patricia Jehlen and Representative Kay Khan

(SB688/HB1815) - CURRENTLY IN HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS

4. An Act Relative to Plant Relocation

Requires companies that close plants in Massachusetts to compensate employees.

Lead Sponsor: Senator Marc Pacheco

(SB201) - SENT TO STUDY

5. An Act Relative to Privatizing Contracts

Regulates the Commonwealth’s contracting with companies, prohibiting outsourcing to companies outside the United States. Lead Sponsor: Senator Jack Hart

(SB1420) - EXTENSION ORDER UNTIL MAY, 15 2010

6. An Act Relative to Protecting Against the Displacement of Current Employees

Requires contractors to hire its workforce from existing worker pool when state services are privatized.

Lead Sponsor: Senator Marc Pacheco

(SB62) - SENT TO STUDY

7. An Act Relative to Protecting Honest Employers in Regards to Workers’ Compensation

Provides a private right of action to hold employers accountable for not providing workers’ compensation payments to their employees. Lead Sponsors: Senator Jack Hart and Representative Martin Walsh

(SB2375/HB1870) - PASSED BY SENATE, NOW IN HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS

8. An Act Establishing and Regulating Resort-Style Entertainment in the Commonwealth

Seeks to create jobs and generate revenues by establishing and regulating destination resort-style entertainment and casino facilities in the Commonwealth. Lead Sponsors: Representative Brian Wallace, Representative Martin Walsh, Senator Joan Menard and Senator Michael Morrissey

(HB4068) - COMPREHENSIVE BILL PASSED THE HOUSE, AWAITING DEBATE IN SENATE.

9. An Act Relative to the Safety and Protection of Utility Work and Construction Sites

Mandates that police officer details be present at all utility projects to ensure the safety and protection of workers and the public on all gas, electric, cable, telecommunications, and other public utility projects.

Lead Sponsors: Senator James Timilty and Representative Joseph Driscoll

(SB1537/HB3067) - REPORTED FAVORABLY TO HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS

10. An Act Relative to Temporary Workers’ Right to Know

Provides temporary workers with basic information about the job they are being hired for to ensure their safety. Lead Sponsors: Senator Jack Hart and Representative Linda Dorcena Forry

(SB2364/HB1797) - SENATE BILL REPORTED FAVORABLY TO SENATE WAYS AND MEANS, HOUSE BILL REPORTED FAVORABLY TO HOUSE STEERING, POLICY AND SCHEDULING

Click on the Senate Bill and House Bill Number to read full text of the bills and for a list of the Bill's co-sponsors

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2009-2010 Legislative Agenda