Rep. Kevin Honan

By Representative Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3386) of Michael J. Moran and Kevin G. Honan for legislation to direct the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a study of establishing direct bus rapid transit between Kendall Square in Cambridge and the Allston, North Brighton and Longwood Medical areas in Boston. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework to support nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation across Massachusetts. It allows state departments and agencies to expedite research and demonstration projects that use natural systems to protect against climate impacts, such as reducing wave energy or mimicking natural processes. The legislation permits these entities to temporarily waive certain performance and regulatory standards to facilitate these projects, provided that protections for Indigenous groups, cultural resources, and underserved communities are maintained. The act also includes a repeal of a previous section that would have taken effect in 2028, ensuring the new provisions can proceed without conflict.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund within the Board of Higher Education in Massachusetts to support educational opportunities for caregivers of adults with disabilities. The fund will be financed through state appropriations, interest on those funds, and public or private donations, with all money held in trust for the program's use. Money from the fund can be spent without needing additional legislative approval each year and will cover both educational activities and the necessary costs to run the program.

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3388) of James J. O'Day and others that the Registrar of Motor Vehicles provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. Transportation.

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to fund housing service coordinators who help residents in state and federally assisted housing avoid eviction and improve their economic stability. Under the law, property owners must ensure tenants have met with a coordinator at least 30 days before filing for eviction, unless there is an immediate threat to health or safety. The Department of Housing and Community Development will oversee the training and certification of these coordinators while tracking outcomes like the number of evictions prevented. Owners participating in the program must also certify that they provided this opportunity before taking legal action against subsidized tenants.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Brooke Public Housing Apprenticeship program to help prepare vacant public housing units for residents. It requires the state offices of housing and labor to design a training initiative that provides job skills, education, and placement assistance specifically to public housing residents. The program aims to assist these residents in gaining economic self-sufficiency while simultaneously helping housing authorities paint and ready empty apartments for occupancy. Funding for the apprenticeships will be provided through grants authorized by the office of labor and workforce development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of the Condominium Ombudsman within the Massachusetts Attorney General's office to help resolve disputes in condominium communities. The office will appoint a trained director to investigate complaints from unit owners, boards, and managers, while also serving as a resource to educate these groups on their rights and responsibilities. Funding for the office will come from a $50 fee paid by sellers when they transfer a condominium for more than $100. Additionally, the bill establishes a mediation pilot program staffed by at least two mediators to help settle specific disputes about unpaid fees, with eligibility limits designed to assist low- and middle-income homeowners and seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to modernize and revitalize Massachusetts public housing by allowing authorities to use more flexible methods for construction and financing. It permits housing authorities to bypass some state procurement rules when working with private partners on redevelopment projects, provided they still follow federal guidelines, while ensuring workers still receive prevailing wages. The legislation also grants tax exemptions for buildings containing income-restricted units, requiring authorities to pay a proportional fee to local towns instead of full property taxes. Additionally, it enables housing authorities to borrow money against future capital funds to pay for essential maintenance and modernization of their developments. These changes are designed to help public housing agencies secure funding and complete projects more efficiently without compromising affordability or worker standards.