By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2742) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rebecca L. Rausch, James K. Hawkins, Brian M. Ashe, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to enhance safety and security for candidates and professionals. Election Laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of portable wireless devices (like cell phones) sold in Massachusetts to provide independent repair shops with necessary documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms" - meaning the same cost and access they offer to their own authorized repair shops. It specifically prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to use proprietary formats for repair information if standardized formats are available on better terms. The law does not require manufacturers to provide discontinued parts or reveal trade secrets, and it limits liability for manufacturers regarding repairs performed by independent shops. This directly affects independent repair businesses and device owners seeking affordable, non-manufacturer repairs within the Commonwealth.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires towing facilities to notify both vehicle owners and lienholders (such as banks with a financial claim on the car) about storage costs within 7 days of towing. If the owner or lienholder doesn't respond within 21 days, the vehicle can be sold after 60 days with written notice and a public sale. Towing facilities must send this notice by registered mail and detail storage charges, with proceeds covering costs before any remaining funds being held by the court for the owner or lienholder. The law aims to ensure transparency in towing and storage fees for those with a financial stake in the vehicle.
By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 433) of Adrian C. Madaro and others relative to diagnostic, service or repair information and services for digital electronic products. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 354) of Mark J. Cusack relative to notifying automobile lien holders of certain towing and storage costs. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryHD 2829 requires all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover all medical supplies for ostomy care at a minimum Medicare reimbursement rate, eliminating barriers like non-medical supply requirements. It mandates hospitals performing ostomy surgery to employ certified ostomy care specialists and provide follow-up outpatient care, while ensuring prescriptions for these supplies remain valid for at least one year without interruption. The bill also requires insurers to transfer patient ostomy care information to new insurers within 72 hours and provide one month's notice with samples before changing product substitutions. This directly benefits ostomy patients by improving access to consistent, uninterrupted care, while setting new standards for insurers, hospitals, and suppliers.
By Representative Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile relative to designating the Sky Bar as the official chocolate bar of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryHD 2465 requires Massachusetts state prisons and county facilities to provide incarcerated people with at least eight hours of daily "out of cell" time for social interaction and activities, including at least six hours weekly of group programming like education and vocational training (with three hours eligible for good conduct credits). It mandates personalized rehabilitation plans for each person, involving input from staff and the individual, and requires facilities to send parole-eligible plans to the parole board for review. The bill also sets minimum standards for access to medical care, outdoor recreation, libraries, and facilities conditions (like temperature and water quality), and requires annual data collection on programming access and outcomes, reported by race, gender, and other demographics. This law directly affects all individuals held in Massachusetts correctional facilities.
Maddy summaryHD 3241 requires Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to maximize in-person visitation for incarcerated individuals by mandating specific schedules: at least two daily visiting periods (one at least four hours long), an eight-hour weekend visit, and a four-hour holiday visit. It prohibits facilities from limiting visitor numbers, excluding visitors based on criminal history, community involvement, or religious practices, or restricting physical contact like hugging during visits. The bill also mandates accommodations for children (with designated areas and activities), reasonable dress code policies respecting cultural/religious needs, and written justifications with appeal options for any visitation restrictions. Facilities must ensure visitation does not decrease below 2025 baseline levels and must exhaust all means to meet the schedule.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates new legal standards requiring firearm industry members (manufacturers, distributors, and sellers) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals or traffickers, and to avoid promoting illegal conversions or sales to minors. It directly affects these industry members by imposing new duties and provides gun violence victims harmed by industry violations a new civil legal pathway to seek compensation in court. Key provisions mandate companies to prevent sales to straw purchasers, prohibited persons, or those at high risk of harm, and to comply with existing consumer protection and safety laws. The law does not override federal restrictions but ensures victims and the Attorney General can pursue civil actions for industry misconduct under Massachusetts law.
