Rep. Michelle DuBois

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes raising the minimum age for purchasing and possessing firearms in Massachusetts from 18 to 21 years old. Under the new rules, individuals under 21 would only be allowed to buy manually operated rifles and shotguns, such as those with bolt, pump, lever, or slide actions, unless they are members of the National Guard, U.S. armed forces, or peace officers. The legislation also mandates that anyone selling firearms to a person under 21 faces severe penalties, including a 10-year ban on obtaining a firearms license and potential fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the bill requires that all firearm purchases by residents under 21 must be accompanied by a valid permit to purchase, removing the ability to buy guns solely with a standard identification card.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. The measure seeks to restore the ability of the government to regulate campaign spending by corporations and other groups, arguing that current rules allow unlimited influence that threatens fair elections. If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, the amendment would give lawmakers the power to limit how much money can be spent in political campaigns. Currently, the bill only serves as a formal request to Congress and does not change any laws directly.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to biomarker testing for cancer patients in Massachusetts to help them receive the most appropriate therapy. It requires health insurers to cover the cost of these specific tests without imposing additional restrictions or requiring prior authorization beyond what is already standard for other medical services. The legislation directly affects cancer patients, their families, and health insurance providers by ensuring that necessary diagnostic tools are financially accessible. By removing barriers to testing, the bill seeks to facilitate better treatment decisions based on individual patient biology.

Maddy summaryThis law establishes a mandatory educational diversion program in Massachusetts for minors charged with specific offenses related to possessing or sharing sexual images, commonly known as sexting. The Attorney General will lead the creation of this program in collaboration with various state agencies and community groups, focusing on informing youth about legal penalties, social consequences, and the risks of online image sharing. If a child is charged with these offenses, the court will typically pause legal proceedings to require the completion of this program instead of immediate prosecution, unless the district attorney objects. Successful completion of the program allows the case to be dismissed, while failure to participate results in the case being restored for standard legal processing. Additionally, the bill expands the legal definition of abuse to include "coercive control" and requires schools to teach media literacy skills using materials from the new diversion program.

By Representative Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2896) of Michael J. Moran and Michelle M. DuBois relative to establishing a sales tax exemption on Earth Day for purchases of “Energy Star” products, so-called, and hybrid motor vehicles. Revenue.

By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2420) of Christopher J. Worrell and Michelle M. DuBois for legislation to provide for an audit and an investigation by a special commission concerning gun violence prevention and intervention funding. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2861) of Kay Khan and others for legislation to increase the excise tax on alcoholic beverages. Revenue.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2763) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the excise tax on cigarettes, cigars, and smoking tobacco. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax incentive program called GM-TIF to encourage small-scale commercial development in specific gateway cities across Massachusetts. To qualify, a municipality must have a population between 35,000 and 250,000, a median household income below the state average, and a lower rate of college graduates than the state average. If approved by local officials and the state housing department, these cities can designate specific areas for the program and offer property tax exemptions for up to 30 years to owners who build or rent out multi-story commercial buildings. The agreements also require that 75% of the local workforce receive job training designed to keep them employed in the city, and these tax benefits are intended to pass to future property owners.

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2908) of James J. O'Day and others relative to excluding certain income from the calculation of the tax on incomes in excess of one million dollars. Revenue.