Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens problem gambling protections in Massachusetts by requiring fantasy sports operators to maintain a list of self-excluded individuals and prohibiting them from marketing to or serving these excluded persons. It mandates that fantasy contest platforms use digital tools like cookies and IP addresses to prevent ads from reaching excluded individuals and requires them to deny access to benefits like check cashing and club programs for those on the exclusion list. The legislation also establishes a standardized disclaimer for all gambling advertisements that includes warning information and contact details for the state gambling helpline, while allowing gaming establishments to let patrons set betting and loss limits on their cashless wagering systems. Additionally, the bill requires gaming establishments to provide monthly statements showing patrons' total bets, wins, and losses, with options to opt out of receiving these statements.
Rep. Adam Scanlon
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that Massachusetts taxpayers must itemize deductions on their federal income tax return to claim medical and dental expense deductions on their state return. It directly affects individuals who itemize federal taxes and claim these specific deductions. The key change simplifies the process by eliminating the federal filing condition, allowing eligible taxpayers to deduct qualifying medical and dental expenses without needing to itemize federally. The Department of Revenue will implement the change through necessary regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands self-exclusion options for problem gamblers across Massachusetts gambling platforms. It creates a unified system allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from lottery, casino, and fantasy sports services simultaneously through a single request. Operators must display standardized disclaimers in ads, block all marketing to excluded individuals using digital tracking, and deny benefits like cashing checks to those on the list. Unclaimed winnings from excluded individuals will be deposited into the Public Health Trust Fund. The bill directly affects problem gamblers seeking to restrict their access and all entities operating gambling services in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal presumption that certain contagious diseases suffered by specific first responders were contracted during their duties. It applies to full-time police, fire, emergency medical, correction, and court officers who passed physical exams at hire (or later) showing no pre-existing condition, and who regularly responded to emergency calls. Covered diseases include Hepatitis A/B/C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and others with a public health commissioner's statistical link to first responder work (excluding the common cold). The presumption applies only if the disease was discovered after at least five years of service, or within five years of leaving such service. Benefits under this presumption are in addition to other existing claims under Chapter 32, 41, or 152 of the General Laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1513) expands legal after-death care options in Massachusetts by adding two new methods - alkaline hydrolysis (a water-based dissolution process) and natural organic reduction (converting remains to soil) - to existing laws alongside traditional cremation and burial. It amends multiple sections of state law to replace or add these terms wherever "cremation" appears, ensuring they are legally recognized for body disposal. The bill also defines both new methods in Chapter 114 and updates requirements for how remains can be handled, stored, or interred. These changes directly affect funeral homes, cemeteries, and families making end-of-life decisions in Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide licensing framework for food trucks in Massachusetts. It defines "mobile food establishment" as vehicles like food trucks and designates the Food Protection Program as the sole authority to issue licenses. Key provisions require mobile food businesses to pass fire department inspections in their municipality (based on mailing address) and allow towns to charge operating fees. The law creates standardized rules for these businesses, replacing inconsistent local regulations. This directly affects food truck operators and municipalities managing their operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are blood-thinning pesticides, by limiting their registration and allowing emergency use only under strict conditions. It directly affects pest control professionals, public health officials, and property owners who manage rodent infestations. The key provisions ban the registration of these chemicals except for emergencies, require their use to be limited to 14 days in a single location, mandate non-chemical pest control methods, and require detailed reporting to the state department. Additionally, the bill establishes annual public reporting on where and how these pesticides were used during emergency situations. The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2028.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1539) of Dylan A. Fernandes, Rodney M. Elliott, James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and others for legislation to address conflicts of interest in the use of temporary nursing agencies at skilled nursing facilities. Public Health.
Maddy summaryHD 148 restructures Massachusetts' Commonwealth Employment Relations Board (CERB) by establishing a new 3-member board appointed by the governor. The board will include one member chosen from a list provided by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO (representing organized labor), one from a list provided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (representing municipal management), and one neutral member. Members serve 5-year terms with staggered expirations (every 2 years), and no more than two members can share the same political party. The bill also clarifies the board's independence from the executive office of labor and workforce development, limiting oversight to reasonable information sharing that doesn't interfere with its operations.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1393) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.