Rep. Tom Walsh

Maddy summaryThis bill creates "ridgeline and hillside protection districts" in Massachusetts towns for land with slopes over 15% for 200+ feet or at 600+ feet elevation. It directly affects property owners and developers in these designated areas by prohibiting most development without approval, while permitting existing agricultural use, minimal maintenance, and conservation activities without review. New construction, major structural changes, or subdivisions require approval from a local review board, which must enforce strict design rules like limiting building height to 35 feet, preserving native vegetation, and requiring landscaping to blend with natural terrain. The law aims to protect natural resources, prevent erosion, maintain scenic views, and safeguard property values in sensitive hillside areas.

Maddy summaryHD 1778 establishes a 13-member commission to study infrastructure resilience in Massachusetts, focusing on utility and water systems. The commission will identify security gaps, develop strategic plans, and improve coordination between state agencies, local governments, utilities, and emergency responders. It requires specific industry representation (including petroleum, natural gas, telecommunications, and electricity sectors) and must submit a final report to legislative committees by July 31, 2026. This bill creates a study body with no immediate policy changes, solely tasked with assessing vulnerabilities and recommending improvements.

Maddy summaryH 1068 requires the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to ensure all its facilities - including parks, trails, and recreational areas - comply with federal anti-discrimination law (Title IX). The bill mandates DCR to implement policies guaranteeing equal access and accommodations for all visitors, regardless of sex, such as in restroom and program access. This directly affects DCR's operational procedures and the public using its facilities, particularly in areas where sex-based discrimination could occur. The legislation focuses on concrete policy adjustments to align DCR's practices with existing federal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHD 1786 requires residential property sellers and landlords in Massachusetts to provide prospective buyers and tenants with standardized flood hazard disclosures before key transactions. The disclosure must include past flooding history, current flood zone designation from FEMA maps, whether flood insurance was required, and federal aid impacts on insurance obligations. Sellers must provide this information prior to accepting a purchase offer, while landlords must provide it before signing a lease or rental agreement. This law directly affects homeowners, real estate agents, and property managers handling residential sales or rentals in flood zones. The goal is to ensure transparency about flood risks before property transactions occur.

Maddy summaryHD 1763 requires real estate agents, brokers, and mortgage brokers in Massachusetts to provide first-time homebuyers with a standardized homebuyers' guide developed by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) before key steps in the home purchase process. The guide must cover essential topics like home inspections, lead paint disclosure, environmental regulations, mortgage terms, and the roles of agents, attorneys, and associations. Real estate professionals and mortgage brokers who fail to provide the guide face fines of up to $100 per violation. The bill directly affects first-time homebuyers and the real estate/mortgage industry by mandating this information to help buyers make informed decisions. The MHFA must create and publish the guide online, including specific resources about home buying processes and legal disclosures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a free "Blue Star Family" license plate or emblem for immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of police officers who died in the line of duty. The plate or emblem must be used on a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle owned and primarily used by that family member. The officer's death must meet the criteria for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. to qualify. The registrar issues these plates without charge upon presentation of proof of the officer's death.

Text of an amendment, offered by Mr. Walsh of Peabody, to the Senate bill amending the charter of the town of Rockland (Senate, No. 2716) [Local Approval Received]. December 18, 2025.

By Representative Walsh of Peabody, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 750) of Thomas P. Walsh for legislation to require schools to provide training on hands-only CPR and the use of defibrillators. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4645, now Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2025) increases penalties for assaulting public transit workers while they are on duty. It makes it a crime to commit assault and battery - including using bodily substances like blood or saliva - against a transit worker performing their job, punishable by 90 days to 2.5 years in jail or fines of $500 to $5,000. The law specifically defines "bodily substance" to include human secretions such as saliva, urine, or feces. It directly affects transit workers by strengthening legal protections during their work. The bill was enacted in late 2025 after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor’s signature.