Rep. Hannah Kane

Maddy summaryHD 2259 establishes a special commission to examine recertification practices in Massachusetts' low and moderate income housing programs. The commission will investigate current policies, document management practices, and develop strategies to reduce recertification fraud affecting publicly funded housing. It must include housing officials, legislative members, and housing experts, and submit recommendations by December 31, 2026. The bill directly impacts local housing authorities and the state's publicly financed housing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops regulated under 330 CMR 12.00, directly affecting most pet shop operators in Massachusetts. It allows exceptions for pet shops partnering with animal rescues (without owning the animals) and permits existing shops meeting specific conditions - like unchanged ownership and prior sales history - to continue selling these animals. Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense and possible license suspension. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not override local town/city regulations on animal sales.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1920) of John C. Velis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane and other members of the General Court for legislation to correct inequities regarding the retirement of state-employed and special authority-employed police officers. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce by ensuring that midwives receive payment rates equal to those of physicians for the same services. It directly affects certified nurse-midwives and licensed certified professional midwives who provide care to employees of the Commonwealth and individuals covered by various health insurance plans. The key mechanism requires insurance companies, Medicaid managed care organizations, and other health plans to pay midwifery services at rates no lower than what would be paid if a doctor performed them, regardless of where the care is given. Additionally, the legislation mandates that these payment standards apply to both prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care provided by midwives. By establishing these parity rules across different types of insurance and service agreements, the bill seeks to support the financial viability of midwifery practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1673) is a constitutional amendment proposal introduced by Senator Comerford regarding agricultural and horticultural land classification. It seeks to amend the state constitution to address how these lands are defined or treated, with an associated revenue component. The abstract does not specify the exact policy changes, such as new protections, tax treatments, or land use restrictions. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it does not directly affect specific individuals or entities but would change foundational legal standards for land classification. The summary reflects only the procedural nature of the bill as described in the official abstract.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Joan B. Lovely, Susannah M. Whipps, Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to promote and enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Financial Services.

Senate, April 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts (Senate, No. 3040) (being the text of Senate No. 2029, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1330) requires Massachusetts internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain explicit written customer consent before collecting, using, disclosing, or selling their personal information. It prohibits ISPs from charging extra fees or denying service to customers who do not provide this consent. The law also mandates that ISPs cannot sell personally identifiable customer data without express written authorization, which customers can revoke at any time in writing. This directly affects all ISPs operating in Massachusetts with state agreements or using state facilities, ensuring greater control over customer data privacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 552) amends Massachusetts law to support municipal light plants during emergencies. It allows these plants to sell, rent, or lease equipment (like generators or tools) used for emergency mutual aid with other communities. It also ensures employees providing such emergency aid are covered under workers' compensation (Chapter 32), including the same rights as if performing regular duties. The changes directly affect municipal light plants and their workers during coordinated emergency responses.

Maddy summaryHD 1292 amends Massachusetts law to allow municipal light plants (local government-run electricity utilities) to provide services to other public utilities. Specifically, it authorizes municipal light boards to assist state, tribal, or other publicly-owned utilities with constructing, maintaining, and repairing infrastructure like poles, wires, streetlights, and traffic signals, both within and outside the Commonwealth. The bill also permits these municipalities to sell, rent, or lease related equipment and ensures employees working on such projects receive the same labor protections as regular municipal workers under Chapter 32. This expands collaboration between local and broader public utility entities while clarifying service boundaries.