Rep. Bud Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone transporting solid waste within Massachusetts to cover the waste with a hard top or a biodegradable seal that hardens after application. The rule applies to all vehicles, trains, barges, ships, and scows moving waste originating from the state. The Department of Environmental Protection, working with the Department of Transportation, will create specific regulations to enforce this requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Implementation Coordinating Council to guide the creation of a statewide system for improving mental health support in Massachusetts schools. The council will consist of ten members, including government officials and representatives from schools, medical providers, and families, who will meet to advise state leaders and offer guidance to school districts. Within six months of its first meeting, the council must develop a three-year plan that sets goals for expanding staff, improving training, and ensuring equitable access to behavioral health services for all students. The council will also be responsible for updating this plan every three years to track progress and address any disparities in service delivery.

By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3498) of Carole A. Fiola, Hannah Kane and others for legislation relative to recognition of the "Honor and Remember" flag in the Commonwealth. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Representative Williams of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2419) of Bud L. Williams relative to the availability of personal floatation devices at swimming pools of certain municipal and recreational programs and camps. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2335) of Carlos González and others for legislation to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programs. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2334) of Carlos González, Bud L. Williams and Jason M. Lewis relative to tracking, tracing and stopping illegal firearms. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts School Building Authority to allow funding for new or renovated swimming pools at specific schools. It targets facilities in municipalities with populations between 35,000 and 250,000 that have lower-than-average household incomes and lower-than-average rates of bachelor's degree attainment. By adjusting the grant program regulations, the legislation aims to make safe swimming pools more accessible to students in these designated communities.

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2326) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative to successful transitions and re-entries for incarcerated persons. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within the Massachusetts Department of Education to help elementary and secondary schools develop STEM and robotics programs. The funding is intended to assist students in succeeding academically and preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Priority for grants will be given to schools that currently lack robotics clubs, specifically those located in rural and underserved counties such as Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Bristol, Barnstable, and Dukes. To receive funding, schools must commit to running teams registered with recognized organizations like FIRST Robotics or VEX, and the state will provide technical assistance to help districts expand these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to lower the maximum fees charged for involuntary vehicle towing during declared emergencies, such as snowstorms, natural disasters, or extreme weather events. When a local government activates this option, the highest allowable tow rate must be set at exactly half of the standard maximum rate established under current state law. To enforce this reduction, municipalities are required to include the new lower rate in their contracts with private tow service providers whenever they order a vehicle to be removed due to a parking violation during these specific crisis periods.