Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new State Athletic Commission within the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to oversee boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and other unarmed combat sports. The commission would consist of five members appointed by the governor, including at least one expert in boxing and one in mixed martial arts or kickboxing, along with an executive director who must have relevant sports experience. To fund the commission's operations, the bill establishes a dedicated fund financed by gaming fees and a mandatory annual transfer of $750,000 from the state comptroller. Additionally, the legislation repeals an existing section of state law related to boxing regulations and amends several other statutes to integrate the new commission into the legal framework.
Rep. Jeff Turco
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove chief probation officers and their acting counterparts from a specific list of individuals excluded from certain labor protections. By striking these titles from the statute, the legislation aims to extend existing labor rights to probation officers who were previously excluded. The change directly affects probation officers employed by the trial court, potentially altering their employment conditions and benefits. This policy adjustment clarifies the legal status of these officers regarding labor regulations without changing their core job duties.
By Ms. Edwards (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Stefany Sanchez Giraldo, for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Stefany Sanchez Giraldo, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state tax laws to increase financial incentives for housing production and rental ownership in Massachusetts. It raises the property tax exemption limits for new housing projects and increases the annual tax credit available to landlords who rent out qualifying units. Additionally, the bill introduces a new tax credit for low-income renters and requires an annual review to ensure housing incentives remain affordable relative to consumer prices. These changes are set to take effect for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024, with a provision to revert the increased amounts to their original levels within ten years.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education laws to allow students to count their participation in 4-H programs as school attendance, equivalent to an educational field trip. It requires schools to provide opportunities for students to complete missed work and ensures that grades are not negatively impacted by their absence from class for these activities. The legislation also mandates that 4-H agents provide proof of participation upon school request, while explicitly excluding attendance credit during standardized testing periods or times when a student is suspended or expelled.
By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco for legislation to authorize schools and students participating in certain athletic programs to seek arbitration to review athletic programs eligibility decisions. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to update terminology regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary function is to replace outdated terms like "handicapped persons" and "autistic" with modern, person-first language such as "persons with disabilities" and "individuals with disabilities." These changes affect various sections of Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover topics including employment weeks and general definitions used across state regulations. By standardizing this language, the legislation ensures that official documents and statutes reflect current respectful terminology without altering the substantive rights or programs available to these individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts hunting laws to clarify rules for carrying firearms in vehicles during specific seasons and to expand protections for hunters against harassment. It requires firearms, rifles, and shotguns to be unloaded when carried in snow vehicles, recreation vehicles, or trailers during open seasons for deer, bear, or turkey, while exempting law enforcement, paraplegics, and certain licensed individuals. The legislation also permits bow and arrow hunting on Sundays and legal holidays if declared as open season by the director, provided the season lasts at least seven consecutive days if it occurs in the last three months of the year. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for interfering with lawful hunting, such as blocking access, using devices to drive away wildlife, or vandalizing hunting equipment, with fines and potential jail time for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Massachusetts residents with disabilities or their caregivers afford necessary home modifications. Eligible individuals with incomes at or below 120% of the area median income can receive up to 50% of the cost for approved changes, with a maximum grant of $5,000. The program covers specific improvements like zero-step entrances, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and medical equipment backups, provided the work meets established accessibility standards. Applicants must submit proof of completed renovations, such as invoices and before-and-after photos, to receive funding. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission will oversee the program guidelines in consultation with the relevant department.