Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.
Rep. Carmine Gentile
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 157) changes who pays brokerage fees in rental agreements. It requires that fees charged by licensed real estate brokers or salespeople must be paid only by the landlord or tenant who directly hired them to arrange the lease. The law prevents landlords from passing these fees onto tenants through the lease contract, or tenants from being charged by brokers they didn't personally engage. This directly affects landlords, tenants, and brokers involved in residential rental transactions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits real estate brokers and landlords from charging tenants fees for services like showings, document preparation, or tenant screening when renting residential properties in Massachusetts. It bans landlords from requiring tenants to hire a broker or pay broker fees as a condition of renting. Violations are considered unfair business practices under Chapter 93A, with fines up to $1,000 per violation. The law directly affects tenants, landlords, and brokers in residential rental transactions across the Commonwealth.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools to create and implement two specific policies. First, schools must establish a device policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for special education plans, emergencies, or administrator approval. Second, schools must develop a social media education policy teaching students about the risks of social media use, including emotional and physical impacts. Schools must notify parents about both policies and file them with the state education department, which will provide public guidance to help schools create effective policies. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools to update their substance use prevention policies to include specific education about the dangers of addictive substances (with emphasis on opioids) and the legal immunities available for reporting overdoses. It mandates that schools develop and implement these educational plans, while also allowing them to assess effectiveness and collaborate with state health departments. The policy changes directly affect public school systems and their students by integrating standardized overdose prevention education into school curricula. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, focusing on concrete policy adjustments rather than broader program funding or outcomes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Interdisciplinary Climate Literacy Trust Fund" to support climate education in Massachusetts public schools. The fund, financed by state appropriations, grants, and interest, will pay for curriculum development, teacher training, and technical support for K-12 schools. It requires school districts to create climate literacy plans - including lessons on human impacts on climate, environmental justice, and climate policy - that prioritize underserved communities and include youth input. The fund must be used without annual re-appropriation, with annual public reports detailing spending and district participation. The bill directly affects all public K-12 school districts in Massachusetts, with specific focus on schools serving economically disadvantaged students or environmental justice communities.
By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 78) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts consumer data privacy act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Representatives Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 86) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian, David T. Vieira and others relative to regulation of location information derived from electronic devices. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts municipalities with over 5,000 residents to implement an automated online permitting system for residential solar installations by July 2027. The system must instantly approve permits for solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, replacing traditional paper-based processes. Homeowners and solar installers benefit from faster approvals and reduced delays, while municipalities must report compliance and usage to the state energy department. The bill aims to streamline solar adoption by standardizing and accelerating permitting for residential systems.
Maddy summaryHD 659 modernizes Massachusetts' competitive electricity market by requiring energy suppliers to implement faster customer switching (within 3 business days) and adopt a single bill format showing both energy and distribution charges. It directly affects energy marketers, distributors, and residential/small commercial customers by mandating licensing, $5 million bonds for suppliers, and standardized training for sales staff. Key provisions include streamlined billing for customers moving within a service area, third-party verification for in-person sales, and requirements for suppliers to pay distribution companies directly based on customer payments. The bill aims to simplify the market structure and improve transparency without changing energy production or pricing mechanisms.