Rep. Josh Tarsky

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Section 36 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws, which previously criminalized blasphemy. It directly affects individuals who might have been subject to prosecution under the repealed law. The bill makes no new provisions or mechanisms - its sole action is removing this specific legal provision from the statutes. This is a procedural change with no additional policy impact described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryThis bill automates the sealing of certain criminal records in Massachusetts, eliminating the need for individuals to file petitions. It requires correctional facilities to report release dates monthly to the probation commissioner, who then automatically seals eligible records after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 for felonies), excluding sex offenses, certain drug violations, and other specified crimes. The commissioner must seal records within 30 days of eligibility, provide clear notices to affected individuals at sentencing, and allow access to sealed records without court orders upon request. It directly affects people with past convictions who meet the waiting periods and criminal justice agencies responsible for record management.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3632) updates Massachusetts laws to replace all references to "18" with "the age of criminal majority" across multiple statutes. It directly affects youth involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly regarding probation periods, delinquency definitions, and youthful offender classifications. The key mechanism standardizes legal references to a defined "age of criminal majority" instead of a fixed age, allowing future adjustments to the actual age threshold through separate legislation. This change applies to sections covering probation terms (e.g., extending probation beyond age 18), definitions of "delinquent child," and youthful offender status. The bill does not set a specific new age but creates a flexible legal term for future policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to conduct a feasibility study on restoring year-round daily commuter rail service between Boston and several Cape Cod towns. The study will evaluate costs, infrastructure needs, funding options, and environmental impacts while considering existing commuting patterns. If the study finds the service feasible, the MBTA must create a schedule with at least one morning and one evening weekday trip between Buzzards Bay and South Station. The department must submit a report on the findings to state officials within nine months of the bill taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office within Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources. It mandates regular energy audits for all public schools and colleges, prioritizing those in environmental justice communities (defined as areas with low income or high minority populations). The audits must include ventilation verification assessments by certified technicians and cover energy efficiency improvements like HVAC upgrades and building envelope repairs. Schools must conduct these audits at least every five years, with results used to identify cost-saving and emissions-reducing upgrades. The bill directly affects all public elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 1549 allows former parochial school teachers in Massachusetts to purchase retirement service credit for up to 10 years of prior teaching. To qualify, teachers must have taught in an approved school with a valid teaching certificate, pay contributions based on the average teacher salary for those years (plus capped interest), and have their last 10 years of service as a state employee. The bill requires a single payment or annual payments to the retirement system to receive credit for the purchased service time. This directly affects teachers who worked in parochial schools before joining the state teaching system.

Maddy summaryHD 898 mandates a feasibility study to restore year-round commuter rail service between Cape Cod towns (Falmouth, Bourne, Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Sandwich) and Boston via the Cape Cod line. The study, to be completed within 9 months, will evaluate costs for infrastructure upgrades, environmental impacts, funding sources, and bridge replacement options, including the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. If the study finds feasibility, the MBTA must begin operating the service within 12 months of the bill's passage, with at least three weekday morning and afternoon peak trips. This bill directly affects Cape Cod residents by setting a timeline for improved transportation access and the MBTA by requiring implementation of the rail service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires safety inspections for buildings or structures used as short-term rentals in Massachusetts, such as properties rented on platforms like Airbnb. It directly affects property owners and managers who operate short-term rental units. The key provision mandates that these properties undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, including structural integrity and fire safety. The bill aims to protect tenants and residents by preventing unsafe conditions in short-term rental properties.

Maddy summaryH 1954 would provide legal representation to eligible immigrants and refugees facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney. The bill directs state funding to establish a program connecting these individuals with qualified legal aid providers. It specifically targets people in removal proceedings who lack access to counsel due to financial barriers. This creates a concrete system for fairer immigration court outcomes without altering federal immigration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts state and local government agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities) from entering new agreements with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement or detention. It also requires all existing agreements of this type to end within 30 days (for enforcement agreements) or 90 days (for detention agreements) after the law takes effect. The Attorney General can enforce the law by seeking court orders to stop violations. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities regarding detention and enforcement.