Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect pollinators in Massachusetts by restricting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, a class of chemicals that can harm bees when present in pollen and nectar. It requires that these pesticides be applied only by certified or licensed applicators and mandates that property owners receive specific warning labels and written acknowledgments before such applications occur on their land. The law explicitly exempts pet care products, personal care items, indoor pest controls, and industrial health-related treatments from these restrictions. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is directed to replace non-native turf grasses around its solar energy installations with native plant communities designed to attract honey bees and other pollinators.
Rep. Michelle DuBois
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect public drinking water by restricting the placement of new solid waste disposal facilities or expansions of existing ones. Specifically, it prohibits building such sites within a 400-foot zone surrounding public water supply wells, specific areas of aquifers that feed wells, and areas of aquifers that feed springs. The legislation requires the Department of Environmental Protection to create rules to enforce these new safety distances, ensuring that waste facilities do not sit too close to sources of drinking water.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create and publish an educational guide about non-opioid options for pain management. It mandates that healthcare providers discuss these alternatives, along with their pros and cons, with patients before prescribing Schedule II opioids for pain treatment. The law also requires doctors to give patients a copy of this guide and document which non-opioid treatments were considered in their medical records. These rules apply to most settings but exclude critical care units, emergency departments, and hospice care. The bill aims to ensure patients are informed about other pain relief methods before opioids are used.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Massachusetts officials to limit the siting and expansion of industrial facilities that report toxic chemical releases in neighborhoods identified as environmental justice communities. It requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to create a rule within 180 days that caps the number of such facilities in these areas, prioritizing the reduction of toxin exposure and ensuring equitable access to a clean environment regardless of race, income, or language proficiency. The legislation defines environmental justice populations based on existing state criteria and includes specific definitions for terms like "toxics release inventory facility" and "equal protection" to guide the implementation of these restrictions.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2363) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to the sale, transfer, or possession of large capacity ammunition gun feeding devices. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2364) of David Paul Linsky and others for legislation to require liability insurance by gun owners. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts gun laws to require licensed dealers to conduct background checks on buyers of firearm frames and receivers, parts that can be assembled into guns. It defines these components as the structural housing for firing mechanisms and prohibits dealers from selling or transferring them unless they are part of a fully assembled weapon. The legislation also designates the Attorney General's office as the authority responsible for enforcing these new licensing requirements.
By Representatives Cutler of Pembroke and Peake of Provincetown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2302) of Josh S. Cutler, Sarah K. Peake and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to examine the potential negative environmental and economic impacts caused by the discharge of spent fuel pool water created as a waste product of nuclear energy. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2360) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to 3D printed weapons and ghost guns. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2351) of Kay Khan and others relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.