Rep. Dan Hunt

Maddy summaryHD 4037 requires Massachusetts' Department of Fire Services to collect data on violations related to hot work processes (like welding or cutting) under Chapter 148. This includes failures to maintain hot work training certification, performing hot work without certification, or not following permit requirements. The department must create a public database on its website containing this data and implement an automated system to notify affected property owners and insurance companies about violations. The bill directly affects businesses and property owners conducting hot work, aiming to improve safety transparency through centralized violation tracking.

Maddy summaryHD 1079 requires Massachusetts real estate appraisers (state-certified general, residential, and licensed) to retain original contracts, appraisal reports, and supporting data for at least five years after report creation or two years after any related court testimony ends - whichever period expires later. This replaces prior record retention rules with a longer, flexible timeframe tied to both report completion and legal proceedings. The law directly affects all appraisers conducting real property valuation work in Massachusetts. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new legal protections for Massachusetts businesses targeted by questionable patent infringement claims. It prohibits companies from sending vague or deceptive "demand letters" threatening litigation without providing specific patent details, factual infringement evidence, or reasonable negotiation terms. Businesses making such "bad faith" claims face lawsuits where victims can recover damages, attorney fees, and up to $50,000 or three times the damages, whichever is greater. The law directly affects Massachusetts-based companies receiving these demands and targets patent holders who misuse the legal system to pressure businesses without valid claims.

Maddy summaryH 4372 revises Massachusetts' definition of "indigent" to include individuals receiving specific public benefits (like SNAP or TAFDC), those with income at or below 125% of the federal poverty line, or those unable to pay court fees without sacrificing basic needs like food or shelter (excluding inmates without following specific procedures). It requires courts to order probation officers to reassess indigency status when doubtful, with written reports confirming eligibility. The bill also mandates quarterly reports to legislative committees tracking indigency determinations, misrepresentations of financial information, and changes in eligibility. These changes directly affect people involved in court cases seeking fee waivers or appointed counsel. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria and improving verification processes for court financial assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits certain deceptive practices by mortgage solicitors who use "mortgage trigger leads" (consumer reports obtained when applying for a mortgage, excluding existing loans). It makes it illegal to fail to clearly disclose: (1) that the solicitor isn't affiliated with the original lender, (2) that personal information was purchased without the lender's permission, (3) non-compliance with federal prescreening rules, or (4) contacting consumers who opted out of prescreened offers or are on Do Not Call lists. The law directly affects consumers applying for mortgage loans and the lenders/brokers soliciting them. Violations would be deemed unfair or deceptive under Chapter 93A, with the Attorney General creating implementing regulations.

Maddy summaryHD 1046 sets new maximum fees for check-cashing services in Massachusetts. It limits fees to 2.5% plus $1 for government checks under $1,500, 2.25% plus $1 for payroll checks, 5% or $5 (whichever is greater) plus $1 for personal checks, and 3% plus $1 for other payment instruments under $1,500. The bill also caps initial account setup fees at $5.00. These changes directly affect check-cashing licensees and customers who use these services, taking effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing requirement for veterinary technicians in Massachusetts, mandating that only licensed individuals may use the title "veterinary technician" or perform veterinary technology services. It creates a Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine to set licensing rules, define roles (including distinguishing licensed technicians from veterinary assistants), and enforce standards. The law requires all veterinary technicians to obtain a license by July 1, 2030, and grants the board authority to set continuing education, supervise practice duties, and handle license suspensions. It directly affects veterinary technicians seeking to practice, veterinarians who supervise them, and animal healthcare facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal licensing system for veterinary technicians in Massachusetts. It requires all veterinary technicians to be licensed by the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine, defining "licensed veterinary technician" as a graduate of an accredited program who passes a state exam. The law prohibits unlicensed individuals from using the title "veterinary technician" and sets a July 1, 2030, deadline for all practitioners to obtain licensure. The bill also creates specific definitions for veterinary assistants and veterinary technology, and mandates the board to issue regulations within 180 days covering duties, continuing education, and supervision requirements.

Maddy summaryHD 1074 requires the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering to offer all practical and written examinations in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. This directly affects individuals seeking cosmetology or barbering licenses in Massachusetts who may prefer or require testing in one of these languages. The bill mandates the board provide exams in these five specific languages, expanding accessibility beyond English alone. The change takes effect 180 days after the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory Campus in Boston as the Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Jr. Campus to honor his contributions to epidemiology and public health. It requires the Department of Public Health to install and maintain a physical marker displaying this new name on the campus grounds. The legislation does not change the official name of the tower building on the site, which remains the Dr. William A. Hinton Laboratory.