Rep. Joe McKenna

Maddy summaryHD 288 creates new leave protections for contract workers (e.g., staffing agency employees) who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping. It allows up to 15 days of unpaid leave per year for purposes like seeking medical care, legal help, court appearances, or securing housing related to the abuse. Employers must permit this leave but can decide if it’s paid, require documentation (such as a protective order or sworn statement from a professional), and must keep all related information confidential. The bill specifically excludes regular employees (covered under existing law) and requires contract workers to use other available leave first before taking this leave.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Oxford to remove a residency requirement for the town manager. Previously, the town manager had to become a resident within eight months of being appointed, but this provision is now being eliminated. The change directly affects the town's hiring practices and allows the town manager to serve without needing to live in Oxford. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other parts of the charter.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3581) allows licensed physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds in Massachusetts, expanding their existing authority under Chapter 123 of the General Laws. It directly affects physician assistants working in mental health settings by permitting them to initiate involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals in crisis. Key provisions require physician assistants to complete 3 hours of specialized mental health evaluation training developed by the Department of Mental Health before authorizing such holds. The bill amends specific sections of the law to explicitly include "physician assistant" alongside "physician" in relevant provisions. This is a policy change to clarify and expand the scope of practice for physician assistants in mental health emergencies.

Maddy summaryHD 4181 repeals Section 124 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, which was part of Massachusetts' existing law governing firearm carry regulations. The bill removes this specific provision without adding new requirements or altering current permit processes. This repeal directly affects the legal framework for the right to carry firearms, which applies to Massachusetts residents seeking to carry firearms legally. The change modifies the state's firearm carry law by eliminating an existing section of the statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies fingerprint requirements for license renewals across multiple Massachusetts licenses (including driver's licenses and firearms permits). It removes the strict rule that fingerprints were only waived if already on file with state police, instead allowing licensing authorities or the Executive Office of Public Safety to deem it reasonable to skip fingerprint collection in certain situations. The changes apply to sections governing license issuance and renewal in Chapter 140 of the General Laws. This directly affects license applicants and renewers who may face barriers to providing fingerprints. The policy change streamlines the process by adding flexibility for authorities to accommodate individual circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the validity of firearm licenses that expire during a declared state of emergency (like a pandemic) when police departments cannot process renewals. License holders whose licenses would have expired during such emergencies can continue to legally possess firearms until their renewal is processed or denied. The bill does not override the Chief of Police’s existing authority under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) to revoke a license if circumstances warrant it. It applies directly to firearm license holders affected by emergency-related processing delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts law enforcement officers (like police, sheriffs, and state troopers) to temporarily hold non-citizens who meet specific criteria for up to 12 hours to transfer them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It directly affects individuals convicted of certain serious crimes - such as domestic violence, drug trafficking, gang-related offenses, or violent felonies - as defined in the bill. Key provisions require ICE to provide a written request and warrant, a supervisory officer to verify public safety threats based on listed criteria, and a court to review the detention within 12 hours. The bill explicitly prohibits holding individuals for immigration purposes without these safeguards and ensures court records remain public.

Maddy summaryHD 4221 requires Massachusetts law enforcement officers and court personnel to hold individuals for up to 36 hours when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provides a written request for detention, mandating that the person receive a copy of the request. It also directs judges to consider ICE detainer requests when setting or modifying bail for people in custody, specifically if ICE has a written request and an administrative warrant for removal exists. The bill directly affects individuals in state custody with active ICE requests, law enforcement officers, and judges handling bail hearings. Key provisions establish a 36-hour detention window for ICE transfers and require judges to factor ICE requests into bail decisions under Chapter 276.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt new Massachusetts manufacturing corporations from state income tax for their first five years of operation. To qualify, at least 50% of the corporation's revenue must come from selling consumer goods (defined as tangible products for personal use by individuals). The exemption applies only to income generated from manufacturing operations within the state during this initial five-year period. It directly affects new manufacturing businesses incorporating in Massachusetts that meet the consumer goods sales requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary tax deduction for Massachusetts taxpayers who pay for home heating oil, natural gas, or propane during the winter months. It allows a deduction of up to $800 per year for heating costs exceeding $4.00 per gallon, covering purchases between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Taxpayers can apply the full deduction in 2025 or split it between 2025 and 2026 for purchases made in those years. The deduction also includes specific eligibility rules for condo/co-op owners and renters whose heating costs are included in common fees or rent.