Rep. Tommy Vitolo

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Act to establish a superfund that recovers costs from entities responsible for climate pollution. It defines "climate change adaptive infrastructure projects" broadly to include measures like coastal protection, stormwater upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements for both public and private buildings. Under the proposed law, polluters would be required to pay into this fund to help finance these resilience projects, shifting the financial burden of climate adaptation from taxpayers to those contributing to the problem. The legislation also sets specific definitions for terms like "applicable payment date" and "controlled group" to ensure consistent application of the funding rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Better Buildings Act within Massachusetts law to set energy performance standards for large buildings, defined as those with at least 20,000 square feet. The Department of Energy Resources will establish rules requiring these buildings to meet specific limits on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets set every five years starting in 2025. Owners of these buildings must report their annual energy consumption, and the department will make this data publicly available. The standards will apply to various building types and occupancies, with the department having the authority to define subcategories and adjust thresholds as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to postpartum home visiting services for all Massachusetts residents, regardless of income or other criteria, by establishing a statewide system managed by the Department of Public Health. The program mandates that qualified health professionals provide at least one home visit within eight weeks after birth and a follow-up visit within three months, covering screenings, education, and support for maternal and infant health needs. While the legislation creates this universal program, it specifically guarantees that current state employees covered by the universal postpartum home visiting program will receive these services without any deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance. The Department of Public Health is tasked with coordinating funding and implementing the program first in communities with the highest maternal health inequities, aiming for full statewide coverage within six years.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities, towns, and water districts to create special funds to finance environmental improvements related to water use. Under the new law, these local entities can charge a fee based on increased water or sewer demand to support projects like stormwater recharge, water conservation, habitat restoration, and infrastructure upgrades. The collected money must be kept in separate accounts and used only for the specific water-related environmental measures listed in the act, without needing additional state approval for spending. Local governments retain the authority to decide how to collect and manage these funds, and they may also accept donations or federal grants to supplement the resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new commission to study the practicality of a program where the government could voluntarily buy homes and buildings located in flood-prone areas. The commission will be led by state officials from climate, energy, and emergency management agencies, alongside representatives from housing, environmental protection, and various advocacy groups focused on justice and conservation. Its main task is to analyze current and future flood risks using scientific data and determine what such a purchase program would require, including costs and procedures. The commission must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the state legislature once its work is complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state education laws to require that public school curricula include instruction on the histories, roles, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. The change directly affects public school educators by mandating that they incorporate these specific topics into their teaching standards. By adding this sentence to an existing section of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that LGBTQ+ experiences are formally recognized as part of the country and Commonwealth's history. The measure focuses on updating educational content rather than creating new administrative structures or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent commission in Massachusetts dedicated to improving educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native residents. The commission will consist of 17 members appointed by various state departments, including education, health, and social services, as well as the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs. Members will serve two-year terms without pay but can be reimbursed for work-related expenses, and the group will operate independently from other state agencies. The commission's primary role is to investigate how public and private resources can be used to enhance educational support and services for these communities. Appointments will be made through an open process involving consultation with tribal governments and intertribal organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid to cover doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The coverage includes continuous labor support, home visits, assistance with appointments, and help connecting families to community resources. By adding this specific provision to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that state-funded health care plans include these supportive services for qualifying beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special citizens commission to investigate how Massachusetts can transition away from nuclear weapons production toward green technologies that address climate change. The commission will examine the state's current dependence on nuclear weapons-related jobs and investments, then propose financial and legal strategies to shift those resources to climate-focused industries while identifying necessary federal assistance. The eleven-member panel will be appointed by state officials and a coalition of peace and environmental groups, with strict rules ensuring no current employees of nuclear facilities serve on the group.