Maddy summaryHD 1374 establishes a commission to study how Massachusetts distributes unrestricted local aid to municipalities. The commission will examine the current formula for allocating this aid (excluding foundation aid), assess its fairness and effectiveness, and recommend changes to create a more equitable system. It will review factors like population shifts, tax base changes, and municipal service needs to determine if funding better matches community requirements. The commission, including state officials, legislative members, and appointed experts, must submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature within one year of the bill's passage. This bill directly affects all municipalities receiving unrestricted general government aid across Massachusetts.
Rep. Chris Hendricks
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment system for streaming entertainment companies using public rights-of-way in Massachusetts. It requires companies earning over $250,000 annually in the state to pay an assessment based on their gross revenues, with rates set annually by a new advisory board. The collected funds aim to maintain previous revenue levels for community media facilities (PEG access facilities), which provide public, educational, and government programming. The bill directly affects streaming operators, not end-users, and establishes a structured process for collecting payments while prohibiting rate regulation of these services.
Maddy summaryHD 2739 creates a Massachusetts tax-advantaged savings account to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to open a designated savings account (with a financial institution) to save for down payments and closing costs on a single-family home, with tax deductions for contributions (up to $10,000 annually for individuals or $20,000 for joint filers). The account must be used within 15 years for eligible home purchases by a qualified beneficiary (a Massachusetts resident who hasn’t owned a home in 3 years), with a lifetime cap of $100,000 in contributions and earnings. Unused funds after the 15-year period become taxable income. The bill applies specifically to Massachusetts income tax returns and does not provide direct grants or loans.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax-advantaged savings account in Massachusetts to help first-time homebuyers save for a down payment and closing costs. Account holders can deduct contributions (up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 jointly) from their Massachusetts income tax each year, with a lifetime limit of $50,000 over 15 years. Funds must be used within 15 years for eligible home purchases by a designated first-time homebuyer (someone who hasn’t owned a home in Massachusetts for three years). The account is open to anyone who establishes it, but only the account holder - not contributors - receives the tax benefit. Funds not used for home purchases by the 15-year deadline become taxable income.
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 299) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others for legislation to further regulate business improvement districts. Community Development and Small Businesses.
Maddy summaryHD 3502 requires health care employers (including hospitals, teaching hospitals, certain correctional facilities, and other specific health care settings) to create and maintain workplace violence prevention programs. Each year, employers must conduct risk assessments with employee input, develop written prevention plans covering training and reporting systems, designate a senior manager for crisis response, and submit annual incident reports to the state. The law prohibits retaliation against employees who report safety concerns and imposes fines of up to $2,000 per violation for non-compliance. These programs aim to protect employees, emergency medical personnel, and others working in health care facilities from violence risks.
Maddy summaryHD 3572 establishes a dedicated Naloxone Purchase Trust Fund in Massachusetts to cover the costs of purchasing and distributing naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal drug) statewide. The fund will be financed through state transfers, voluntary contributions from third-party payers (like insurers), and interest earnings, and must be used exclusively for naloxone distribution to hospitals, emergency departments, substance use disorder treatment facilities, and community health centers. Naloxone must be offered to patients with a history of opioid use, an opioid use disorder diagnosis, or a prior opioid overdose. The bill ensures funds are managed transparently, with annual reports to legislative committees, and limits non-purchase costs (like storage) to 10% of the fund's total allocation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Task Force to analyze electricity cost components affecting Massachusetts residential and commercial customers. The Task Force, chaired by the Attorney General and including utility representatives, will produce a report identifying all charges on electricity bills - such as distribution, transmission, and energy supply costs - along with historical and projected rate changes over 10 years. The report will compare Massachusetts rates to those in other New England states and key economic competitors. It will also examine how costs relate to greenhouse gas reduction goals and be subject to public comment before final submission to state leaders.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 641) of Mark C. Montigny, Christopher M. Markey, Christopher Hendricks and Mark D. Sylvia for legislation to strengthen maritime activity and economic development in the Port of New Bedford. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryHD 3297 creates a 27-member commission to study funding solutions for wastewater infrastructure improvements in 14 South Coast Massachusetts towns (including Acushnet, New Bedford, and Plymouth) affected by nitrogen pollution. The commission will examine the costs of expanding sewers, upgrading treatment facilities, reducing overflows, and converting septic systems, then identify fair revenue options like fees or taxes. It must hold public hearings, consult experts, and submit a report with specific funding recommendations to state officials within one year. The bill itself does not fund projects but establishes a process to develop future legislation for addressing nitrogen pollution in coastal waters.