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H 3715

Dr. Victor Edward Terrana, sympathy

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Mass. bill exempts temporarily separated workers who have a definite, employer-certified return date within 12 weeks from performing routine DUA job searches.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3715

Summary — H 3715 (2025): "An Act relative to school bus transportation professionals"

Also includes a separate ceremonial resolution titled “Dr. Victor Edward Terrana, sympathy”

Purpose and intent

Primary purpose (Massachusetts bill): to amend Massachusetts unemployment law to exempt certain temporarily separated workers — intended to include school bus transportation professionals — from the Department of Unemployment Assistance’s (DUA) active work-search requirements when their employer has certified a definite return‑to‑work date shortly after their separation.

Separate item (South Carolina): a ceremonial House resolution expressing sympathy on the passing of Dr. Victor Edward Terrana of Newberry (no policy effect).

Key provisions (Massachusetts bill)

  • Amends Section 24 of Chapter 151A (Mass. unemployment law) by adding paragraph (d).
  • Adds an exemption from work-search requirements for individuals who meet both conditions:
    • Have a definite return‑to‑work date that is within twelve (12) weeks of their last day of physical work; and
    • That return‑to‑work date is certified by the employer on the employer separation notice provided to the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
  • Effect: such individuals are not required to perform the DUA’s routine job‑search activities during the stated exemption period.

Exact statutory insertion (paraphrased): “Notwithstanding any other provision ... individuals with a definite return‑to‑work date that is within twelve (12) weeks of their last day of physical work, as certified by their employer on the employer separation notice provided to the department, shall be exempt from the work search requirements.”

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: workers who are temporarily separated from work but have a short, employer‑certified definite return date (e.g., seasonal or laid‑off school bus drivers who are expected back within 12 weeks).
  • Employers: required to certify the return‑to‑work date on the separation notice submitted to the DUA.
  • State agencies: DUA will implement and enforce the exemption; school districts and private transportation contractors may see administrative impacts.
  • Potential budgetary effect: may change benefit eligibility interactions (no explicit fiscal figures in the bill).

Procedural history and timeline

  • Filed (MA House): 1/16/2025 (House Docket No. 2480). Primary sponsor: Rep. Meghan K. Kilcoyne; cosponsor: Rep. Priscila S. Sousa.
  • Referred to Transportation Committee: 02/27/2025.
  • Senate concurred: 02/27/2025.
  • Hearing scheduled: 07/22/2025 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM, B‑1).
  • Committee reported favorably and referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling: 10/02/2025.
  • 10/30/2025: Committee placed the matter in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting; Rules suspended; read second and ordered to a third reading.

Related bill: HD 2480 (replaced by H 3715).

Separate item — South Carolina resolution

  • Title: House Resolution expressing sorrow at the passing of Dr. Victor Edward Terrana (Newberry).
  • Nature: ceremonial condolence resolution, introduced and adopted 01/15/2025; recognizes Dr. Terrana’s life, community involvement, family, and requests a copy be presented to his family.
  • No legislative or policy impacts.

Notes / Implications

  • The MA provision aims to reduce burden on temporarily separated workers with a near‑term return by removing routine work‑search obligations, while relying on employer certification to limit misuse.
  • Operational details (e.g., verification standards, appeal processes, interaction with benefit eligibility and duration) would be determined administratively by the DUA or in subsequent implementing guidance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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