Rep. Sam Montaño

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as in-law suites, in single-family residential areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The legislation defines these units as self-contained living spaces with separate entrances that cannot be sold separately from the main home and must be at least 450 square feet but no larger than half the size of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet. A key provision requires that at least one person in either the main house or the new unit must be elderly or have a disability, while still permitting municipalities to limit the total number of such units to a minimum of 5 percent of existing housing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for parking, requiring no more than one additional space, and allows local governments to regulate setbacks and building height.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a program that helps families, youth, and adults avoid becoming homeless by providing cash assistance and services. It allows individuals at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off to receive aid even before they have received official legal notices, using certified statements from landlords or utility companies to verify their financial struggles. The program specifically targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with at least half of the funds reserved for those living at or below 30% of that income. Eligible recipients include families with children under 21, seniors, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and the financial aid is limited to covering actual unpaid rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2398) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to access to parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2394) of David M. Rogers, Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the right of persons incarcerated in correctional institutions, state prisons, jails or houses of correction to confer with news media representative. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to give tenants a first right of refusal when their rental property is being sold due to foreclosure. It applies specifically to multi-family rental buildings and excludes small owner-occupied homes or temporary shelters. Under the new rules, landlords must notify tenants and a designated nonprofit group before selling the property, allowing these parties to match the highest offer made by outside buyers. The law also defines specific terms like "affiliate" and "designee" to clarify who can participate in the purchase process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "right of first refusal" for specific nonprofit organizations when a multi-unit apartment building is being foreclosed upon. It requires lenders or banks selling a foreclosed property at auction to first offer the building to designated local community development corporations and other eligible nonprofit groups. These eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to preserving or creating affordable housing and have the experience to manage such properties. If one of these groups accepts the offer, the property must be sold to them under terms that ensure it remains affordable for at least 30 years. The law applies to buildings with six or more rental units, excluding hotels, hospitals, and other specific types of facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2342) of Natalie M. Higgins, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the crime laboratory within the Department of the State Police conduct an audit of offender DNA profiles included on the state DNA databank system. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state housing department to create a centralized, machine-readable database containing detailed information about subsidized housing developments across Massachusetts. The data collected will include the total number of units, income restrictions, bedroom and bathroom counts, square footage, and specific locations for both new and existing projects. Municipalities, state agencies, and other public entities will have access to this information to better understand the housing landscape, with the database required to be updated at least once per year. The changes take effect on December 31, 2025, and will repeal an existing subsection of the relevant housing chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands compensation for individuals in Massachusetts who were wrongfully convicted by updating the state's wrongful conviction relief laws. It lowers the legal standard for proving innocence from "clear and convincing evidence" to a "preponderance of the evidence," making it easier for claimants to qualify. The legislation also broadens eligibility to include those whose convictions were vacated without a retrial and mandates that cases be processed on a fast track. Additionally, the bill requires the state to provide social service advocates to help eligible individuals with transitional needs and allows courts to order the state to cover educational costs and provide support services like financial literacy training.