Maddy summaryThis law, known as Ollie's Law, strengthens regulations for commercial kennels and boarding facilities to improve animal safety and public oversight. It requires these businesses to obtain licenses that are contingent on passing inspections, limits the number of animals allowed based on facility capacity, and mandates annual reviews of license fees and terms. The bill also establishes a formal process for citizens to petition local officials if a kennel causes a nuisance, such as excessive barking, and requires the state to create detailed rules covering staff training, injury reporting, and emergency planning. Additionally, kennels must maintain records of all dogs in their care and face specific fines for operating without a license or after a license has been revoked.
Rep. Joe McKenna
Sponsored bills
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven S. Howitt and others relative to federal motor vehicle safety standards compliance. Transportation.
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2835) of Steven S. Howitt, Kelly W. Pease and Joseph D. McKenna for legislation to establish a senior citizen volunteer property tax reduction. Revenue.
By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Wong of Saugus, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2840) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Donald H. Wong and others relative to motor vehicle excise tax exemptions for 100 percent disabled veterans. Revenue.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2948) of Adam Scanlon and others relative to establishing a tax credit for veterans' license plates. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's CHAMP public housing application system to restore priority for local residents over applicants who have not been screened as emergencies. Under the proposed changes, individuals will no longer be able to self-certify their emergency status to gain placement on waiting lists. The legislation aims to shift decision-making power back to local housing authorities regarding how they prioritize applicants within their specific communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand the definition of low and moderate income housing. The change directly affects housing programs by including mobile homes, group homes, manufactured homes, in-law apartments, and first-time homebuyers using state or federal assistance. By adding these categories to the legal definition, the bill allows them to be counted as qualifying housing under existing regulations. The update ensures these specific types of residences are recognized alongside traditional housing in relevant state statutes.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to review and potentially update the legal definition of affordable housing in Massachusetts. The commission will examine whether to include specific types of residences, such as mobile homes, manufactured homes, group homes, and in-law apartments, within the current definition. It is composed of eight members drawn from the state legislature, housing department officials, and housing advocacy organizations. The group is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the joint committee on housing within six months of the bill's passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows local boards of appeals in Massachusetts to count manufactured homes as low or moderate income housing when determining if a community meets affordable housing requirements. To qualify, these homes must have a fair cash value of no more than $100,000, be free of health citations, and be located in areas where the median household income is below 80% of the area median. Additionally, the total cost of rent, financing, and utilities for the home must be affordable for a single person earning no more than 80% of the area median income. The legislation directly affects municipalities by changing how they assess the availability of affordable housing units for zoning and development purposes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt municipalities from specific affordable housing requirements when they are ordered by state or federal agencies to provide emergency shelter for homeless populations. The legislation applies to cities and towns that must host more than ten individuals in emergency shelters on behalf of agencies like the Department of Housing and Economic Development. Under the new rules, these municipalities would be granted a five-year "safe harbor" period, allowing them to temporarily skip the requirement to maintain a 10% inventory of subsidized housing units. The primary goal is to relieve local governments of certain regulatory burdens during times when they are managing large-scale emergency sheltering efforts.