Rep. M.J. Shannon

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits after 14 consecutive days of strike, effective for labor disputes beginning December 14, 2026. Currently, most striking workers are ineligible for benefits during labor disputes. The change applies to workers not involved in the dispute (e.g., non-union employees) or who have not participated in the strike for 14+ days, but excludes situations involving employer lockouts. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, though the eligibility rule starts in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 6915 bans the use of certain second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone) statewide starting October 1, 2025, affecting most residential, commercial, and general pest control uses. Key exceptions allow continued use for public health activities (e.g., water infrastructure protection, mosquito control), emergency rodent infestations requiring public health approval, specific facilities like medical waste sites and food production facilities, and agricultural operations in designated locations (warehouses, slaughterhouses, etc.). The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Commissioner to develop wildlife protection regulations and submit a 2027 report analyzing impacts on public health, agriculture, and federal compliance. This policy change directly affects pest control businesses, property managers, and agricultural operations while permitting limited uses for public health and critical infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryHB 5112 prohibits pet stores from buying or obtaining dogs, cats, or rabbits for sale starting October 1, 2025. This directly affects pet store owners who must stop purchasing these animals, though they may still host licensed animal shelters for adoption events under strict conditions. The law allows pet stores to provide space for 501(c)(3) shelters to showcase animals for adoption without compensation, but bans any sale or transfer of these animals by stores. Violations carry a maximum $500 fine. The bill does not restrict private breeders or pet owners.

Maddy summaryHB 6257 authorizes natural organic reduction (a process that converts human remains into soil) as a legal disposal method. It requires facilities like cemeteries, crematories, and funeral homes offering this service to obtain a Public Health Commissioner permit, maintain secure private storage, and confirm the deceased's identity before processing. The bill mandates that remains be delivered in a decomposable container and prohibits the process until identity verification is complete. This law sets regulatory standards for facilities using natural organic reduction, directly affecting those providing this service.

Maddy summaryHB 5749 requires new residential and commercial developments, major renovations (increasing wastewater by 25%+), and replacements of failing systems in "environmentally sensitive areas" to install nitrogen-reducing septic systems. These systems must meet performance standards set by the Department of Public Health and undergo annual inspections. The bill applies to properties in designated zones at risk from nitrogen pollution, such as coastal areas, watersheds, and near drinking water sources. It takes effect October 1, 2025, with departments required to establish standards and designate sensitive areas by March 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 6280 establishes a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to fund climate adaptation projects by requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for historical emissions. It targets entities that extracted or refined fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) during 1995-2025 and caused over one billion metric tons of emissions, treating corporate "controlled groups" as single liable entities. Funds collected will finance concrete adaptation projects like flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs to address climate impacts. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection administers the program, using strict liability to recover costs for state-wide climate resilience efforts.

Maddy summarySB 739 would redirect the additional 1% sales and use tax collected on meals sold by restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores directly to the municipalities where the tax was generated. This bill changes how revenue from this specific tax is distributed, moving it from the state to local governments. The key provision requires that all revenue from this tax on meals be allocated to the specific cities or towns where the sales occurred. This affects businesses selling prepared meals (like restaurants and grocery stores selling ready-to-eat food) and the local municipalities receiving the funds.

Maddy summarySB 921 would impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (like sodas and energy drinks) sold in the state. The revenue generated from this tax would be dedicated exclusively to fund free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students, regardless of their family's income level. The bill directly affects beverage manufacturers (who pay the tax) and all public school students (who would receive the meals at no cost). This policy change aims to create universal access to school meals by redirecting tax revenue from a specific industry.

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summarySB 740 establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with up to three children in the state. Starting in 2025, it provides $150 per child, phasing up to $600 per child over three years. The credit is reduced for higher-income households, with phase-outs beginning at $100,000 for single filers, $160,000 for heads of household, and $200,000 for joint filers. This policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families with children, offering tax refunds even if they owe no income tax.