Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary Massachusetts program to reduce flood risks by purchasing properties at risk of repetitive or substantial flooding from willing owners. It prioritizes low-income residents (households earning 65% or less of the state median income) and communities designated as environmental justice populations, requiring at least 75% of program funds to support these groups. Acquired properties must be converted into permanent open space for conservation and public recreation, with public access required, and prohibit new structures except for nature-based solutions. The program uses updated flood risk assessments every five years, based on climate and flood data, to guide property acquisitions and ensure long-term community resilience.
Rep. Dawne Shand
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are blood-thinning pesticides, by limiting their registration and allowing emergency use only under strict conditions. It directly affects pest control professionals, public health officials, and property owners who manage rodent infestations. The key provisions ban the registration of these chemicals except for emergencies, require their use to be limited to 14 days in a single location, mandate non-chemical pest control methods, and require detailed reporting to the state department. Additionally, the bill establishes annual public reporting on where and how these pesticides were used during emergency situations. The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2028.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of certain rodent poisons (like Warfarin and Brodifacoum) to only short-term public health emergencies. It requires licensed pest control professionals to first use non-chemical methods, limits emergency use to 14 days, and mandates detailed reporting on locations, amounts used, and follow-up rodent control plans. The law directly affects pest control applicators and public health agencies managing rodent-related health risks. It also requires annual public reporting of all emergency rodenticide use by the state department. The restrictions take effect January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHD 1883 prohibits state-regulated gas and electric utilities from charging customers for specific expenses through their utility rates. It bans companies from recovering costs related to political advertising, lobbying, trade association memberships, charitable donations, executive travel, or promotional campaigns that encourage service use. Utilities must submit annual reports detailing these prohibited expenses and face penalties - including customer refunds with interest - if they improperly charge rates. This directly affects utility customers by preventing them from paying for these non-essential corporate activities.
By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Joan Meschino and others for legislation to create a climate bank to facilitate innovative financing solutions for climate and clean energy innovations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Financial Services.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 671) of Bruce E. Tarr and Dawne Shand for legislation relative to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryHD 402 requires Massachusetts state-appointed boards and commissions to achieve specific diversity targets: at least 50% of members self-identifying as Female, and at least 30% self-identifying as either an Underrepresented Minority (including specific racial/ethnic groups from Census data) or LGBTQ+. Boards must report annually on their demographic composition and recruitment efforts to the governor’s office, including the number of applicants from diverse groups. The required percentages adjust every 10 years based on updated U.S. Census data reflecting Massachusetts’ actual population. The bill aims to ensure public boards better reflect the state’s demographic makeup through measurable goals and transparent reporting.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 456) of Bruce E. Tarr, Madeleine Elizabeth Jackman , Patrick M. O'Connor, Shirley B. Arriaga and others relative to requiring instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment system for streaming entertainment companies using public rights-of-way in Massachusetts. It requires companies earning over $250,000 annually in the state to pay an assessment based on their gross revenues, with rates set annually by a new advisory board. The collected funds aim to maintain previous revenue levels for community media facilities (PEG access facilities), which provide public, educational, and government programming. The bill directly affects streaming operators, not end-users, and establishes a structured process for collecting payments while prohibiting rate regulation of these services.
Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.