Rep. Dan Hunt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone who wins a money judgment in Massachusetts courts to officially report when the debt has been fully paid. It applies to small claims, general civil cases, and rent-related summary process cases, but excludes judgments satisfied through court-enforced asset seizures. The law mandates that the winning party file a notice of satisfaction with the issuing court within 60 days of payment. If a party fails to file this notice, they could be held responsible for paying the debtor's legal costs and attorneys' fees incurred in proving the debt was paid.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of "indigent" in Massachusetts to include individuals receiving specific public assistance programs or earning less than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, while also clarifying that prisoners are only considered indigent if they cannot pay fees without depriving themselves of basic necessities. It requires courts to order a reassessment of a person's financial status whenever there is doubt about their eligibility for court-appointed counsel and mandates written reports from probation officers to verify this status. Additionally, the legislation allows judges to revoke court-appointed representation if a reassessment shows a defendant no longer meets the indigency criteria, giving the defendant time to hire new legal counsel. The bill also standardizes terminology by replacing the word "inmate" with "prisoner" throughout relevant sections of the state's legal code.

By Representatives Biele of Boston and Hunt of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2990) of David Biele, Daniel J. Hunt and others relative to the employment of persons with disabilities on state contracts. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Hunt of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Daniel J. Hunt relative to access to motor vehicle data by owners or designees of said data. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how long real estate appraisers in Massachusetts must keep their work records. It requires certified general, certified residential, and licensed appraisers to store original contracts, appraisal reports, and supporting data for at least five years after the work is done. If an appraiser has testified in a court case related to an assignment, they must keep those records for two years after the legal process ends, whichever time period lasts longer. The change directly affects all licensed and certified appraisers in the state by extending the standard retention period and clarifying requirements for those involved in legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering to administer both practical and written exams in five languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. It directly affects candidates taking these licensing exams who speak one of these languages but may not be fluent in English. The law mandates that the board provide all test materials and instructions in these languages to ensure accessibility for non-English speakers. The changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific maximum fees that check-cashing businesses in Massachusetts can charge customers. It directly affects licensed check cashers and the individuals who use their services to convert checks into cash. The law sets different fee caps based on the type of check, such as limiting fees for government checks to 2.5 percent plus a one-dollar service charge and capping payroll check fees at 2.25 percent plus one dollar. Additionally, the bill prohibits businesses from charging more than five dollars to open a new customer account. These new limits will become active six months after the legislation is officially signed into law.

By Representative Hunt of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 7B) of Daniel J. Hunt for legislation to provide for residency preference for appointment at the police and fire departments of the city of Boston. Public Service.

Substituted, on motion of Mr. Garlick of Needham, for a Bill regarding the disability pension for Ryan Lenane (House, No. 3758) [Local Approval Received]. December 29, 2022.