Rep. Dan Donahue

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to inform older adults about the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a community-based healthcare option. Specifically, it mandates that information about PACE be included in existing referral services and pre-admission counseling for individuals seeking long-term care facilities. Additionally, the legislation directs state officials to study how Medicaid providers can offer this counseling and requires an annual report on how many people received these services and how many were diverted from institutional care to community settings.

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 establishes a legal right for home buyers in Massachusetts to have their prospective homes inspected by a licensed professional within ten days of an offer being accepted. It prohibits sellers and their agents from forcing buyers to waive this inspection right, with the exception of sales conducted at licensed auctions. The legislation also prevents sellers from accepting offers from buyers who explicitly state they intend to skip or limit the inspection, unless the buyer is a close family member of the seller. By amending existing state laws, the act ensures that buyers can evaluate critical components like the roof, foundation, and electrical systems before finalizing a purchase.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to protect the right to repair portable wireless devices, such as smartphones. It defines specific roles like "authorized repair providers" and "independent repair providers" to clarify who can legally fix these devices. The legislation requires manufacturers to provide necessary parts, tools, and technical documentation to independent repair shops on fair and reasonable terms, ensuring they have equal access to repair information. By mandating these provisions, the bill aims to allow consumers to choose where they get their devices fixed without being restricted by manufacturer policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to strictly prohibit unlicensed individuals from preparing paid real estate appraisals or appraisal reports within the state. The primary mechanism involves adding a new sentence to existing regulations that explicitly bans non-licensed persons from performing these tasks for a fee, while also removing a previous subdivision that allowed certain exceptions. These changes directly affect real estate professionals and consumers by ensuring that all compensated appraisal work is conducted only by licensed experts. The legislation aims to standardize the qualifications required for anyone offering paid appraisal services in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to protect home buyers by guaranteeing their right to have a residential property inspected by a licensed home inspector within ten days of accepting an offer. It prohibits sellers and their agents from conditioning the sale on a buyer waiving this inspection right, with specific exceptions for family members and certain divorce-related transactions. The legislation also mandates that every purchase offer include a standardized notice informing buyers of this new right and outlining the process for canceling the offer if serious defects are found during the inspection.

The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 142) of Michael D. Brady, Sal N. DiDomenico, Anne M. Gobi, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to digital right to repair; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 360) of Adrian C. Madaro and others relative to digital right to repair, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2478).

Senate, October 19, -- 2023 The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Michael O. Moore, John J. Cronin, John H. Rogers, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect consumer rights in purchasing safe and habitable homes; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 245) of Brian M. Ashe and others for legislation to provide for a right to home inspections for buyers, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2474).

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "An Act relative to healthy youth," is a procedural measure that does not contain specific policy language or substantive provisions. Instead, it serves to formally introduce a legislative concept or topic for further discussion within the Massachusetts General Court. The text provided lists numerous legislators who have signed onto the petition but does not include the operative sections that would define how the state would support youth health. Consequently, the bill currently functions as a placeholder to initiate the legislative process rather than establishing concrete rules or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands warranty protections for consumers in Massachusetts who purchase or lease wheelchairs, including those covered by insurance or transferred secondhand. It defines key terms to clarify who qualifies as a consumer and what constitutes a defective product, while also specifying that "collateral costs" include rental fees for alternative mobility devices and medical expenses related to injuries caused by the wheelchair. The legislation ensures that sellers and manufacturers are held accountable for repair, replacement, or refund issues, and it addresses financial adjustments for lease agreements when a defective wheelchair is returned early.