Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts residents and local governments address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The fund is designed to cover remediation costs for municipalities, private well owners, and public water systems without requiring additional annual appropriations from the state budget. Money for the fund will come from settlements related to claims against manufacturers of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam, and any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs is responsible for administering the fund and ensuring expenditures align with existing legal settlements.
Rep. Angelo Puppolo
Sponsored bills
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2953) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to a taxpayer exemption for adopted children. Revenue.
By Representatives Khan of Newton and Santiago of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2210) of Kay Khan, Jon Santiago and others relative to prohibiting the marketing of certain drinks with added sugar on school grounds. Public Health.
By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2231) of Jay D. Livingstone and others for legislation to require the disclosure of lead in water pipes. Public Health.
By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., for legislation to establish an income tax credit for zero-emission and hybrid mobile machinery. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax law to allow residents to exclude forgiven mortgage debt from their state taxable income, directly affecting homeowners whose loans are reduced through restructuring or foreclosure. The measure permits an exclusion of up to $2 million for single filers or married couples filing jointly, provided the debt was used to acquire the home and the forgiveness resulted from a decline in property value or the taxpayer's financial condition. Unlike the federal tax code, which allows this exclusion only for insolvency, this legislation creates a specific state provision that also reduces the taxpayer's basis in their home by the amount of the excluded debt. The law applies retroactively to debt discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2013, and requires the state tax commissioner to issue regulations within 180 days of enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require sellers and landlords to disclose the presence of lead in water pipes and service lines when selling or renting property. The change expands existing disclosure requirements, which currently cover lead-based paint, to explicitly include plumbing systems. By updating the legal text, the legislation ensures that prospective buyers and tenants receive information about potential lead hazards in the building's water infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax law to allow homeowners to exclude up to $2 million of forgiven mortgage debt from their state taxable income, provided the debt was related to their primary residence. It specifically covers situations where debt is reduced through restructuring or forgiven during a foreclosure, while excluding cases where the loan is discharged due to services performed for the lender or other factors unrelated to the home's value. The excluded amount is used to lower the taxpayer's basis in their home rather than creating a cash refund, and the law applies retroactively to debt discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2013.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that aligns with state goals and focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The plans must detail how districts will provide professional development, select core curricula, and offer interventions for students who struggle with reading, particularly in grades K-3. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a list of approved training programs and free online modules to help teachers and administrators implement science-based literacy practices. A stakeholder panel will also be formed to recommend improvements for teacher training and licensure related to early literacy by the end of 2024.
Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)