Rep. Hannah Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill expands warranty protections for consumers in Massachusetts who purchase or lease wheelchairs, including those covered by insurance or transferred secondhand. It defines key terms to clarify who qualifies as a consumer and what constitutes a defective product, while also specifying that "collateral costs" include rental fees for alternative mobility devices and medical expenses related to injuries caused by the wheelchair. The legislation ensures that sellers and manufacturers are held accountable for repair, replacement, or refund issues, and it addresses financial adjustments for lease agreements when a defective wheelchair is returned early.

Senate, June 29, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 172) of Paul R. Feeney and Tackey Chan for legislation to revitalize agriculture, conditioning and simulcasting; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 273) of Tackey Chan relative to extending simulcasting and live horse racing authorization; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 342) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to authorize the comptroller to transfer funds from the Race Horse Development Fund to the Community Preservation Trust Fund; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 361) of Adrian C. Madaro relative to extending simulcasting and horse racing authorization; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 362) of Adrian C. Madaro relative to regulating horse racing, simulcasting and wagering; and so much of the recommendations of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (House, No 3) as relates to further regulate horse racing (House, No. 4), reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2409).

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3359) of Kay Khan and others that the Registry of Motor Vehicles design certain envelopes to enhance effective communications and interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to clarify how "fair share" funds, collected from high-income earners, must be spent. It requires that any new money allocated for these programs be added to existing budgets rather than replacing current funding levels. The change ensures that the state cannot use these specific revenues to cut other appropriations in the same fiscal year. This provision directly affects the state's budgeting process and the financial management of programs funded by the high-income tax.

By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury and Senator Eldridge, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5391) of Hannah Kane, James B. Eldridge and Michael O. Moore (by vote of the town) that the town of Westborough be authorized to approve certain additional tax exemptions of qualifying senior residents. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3147) of Sean Garballey, Diana DiZoglio and Hannah Kane for legislation to designate October 18 as inflammatory breast cancer awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1477) of Mark C. Montigny, Adam J. Scanlon, Michael O. Moore, Carole A. Fiola and other members of the General Court for legislation to create designated stroke centers. Public Health.

By Mr. Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2253) of Mark J. Cusack and others relative to establishing pre-hospital care protocols and point-of-entry plans to ensure stroke patients are transported to the most appropriate facility. Public Health.

By Ms. Blais of Sunderland, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to the inspection of slaughter and meat inspection program. Public Health.

By Mr. Ashe of Longmeadow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3101) of Brian M. Ashe and others for the annual issuance of a proclamation by the Governor designating the last day of February as rare disease day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.