Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as in-law suites, in single-family residential areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The legislation defines these units as self-contained living spaces with separate entrances that cannot be sold separately from the main home and must be at least 450 square feet but no larger than half the size of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet. A key provision requires that at least one person in either the main house or the new unit must be elderly or have a disability, while still permitting municipalities to limit the total number of such units to a minimum of 5 percent of existing housing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for parking, requiring no more than one additional space, and allows local governments to regulate setbacks and building height.
Rep. Hannah Kane
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2342) of Natalie M. Higgins, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the crime laboratory within the Department of the State Police conduct an audit of offender DNA profiles included on the state DNA databank system. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study and review Massachusetts condominium laws, directly affecting current and future condominium owners, property managers, and community associations. The seven-member committee will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Governor, and must include specific experts such as a condominium law attorney representing unit owners, a current unit owner, and a certified property manager. Over the course of its work, the commission will hold public hearings to investigate issues like board meeting procedures, fee increases, financial audits, and dispute resolution processes before submitting a report with recommendations for new regulations by January 1, 2023.
By Representative Murray of Milford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2906) of Brian W. Murray relative to a certain property tax exemption for the elderly. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, in single-family residential areas. It defines an ADU as a self-contained living space within a home or a detached structure that cannot be sold separately and must be at least 450 square feet. The legislation mandates that these units be permitted on lots of 5,000 square feet or more if at least one occupant is elderly or has a disability. Local governments retain the ability to set reasonable rules regarding setbacks, height, and bulk, while the bill also limits the total number of ADUs in a municipality to no less than 5 percent of existing housing units.
Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill to ensure legal parentage equality (House, No. 4750), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4970).
By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2809) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David F. DeCoste and others relative to the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill encourages food donations in Massachusetts by offering legal protections and tax incentives to donors. It removes liability for civil damages related to food conditions for individuals and food establishments that donate open-dated or expired food to nonprofit organizations, provided the food was not misbranded, adulterated, or mishandled and the donor did not act with gross negligence. Additionally, the bill creates a tax credit for farming businesses and restaurants that donate their crops or prepared meals to qualified nonprofit food distribution organizations, capping the credit at $5,000 annually. These changes aim to make it safer and more financially beneficial for businesses and individuals to donate surplus food to those in need.