Rep. Michelle Badger

Maddy summaryThis bill allows motorcycle riders in Massachusetts to use the right breakdown lane, left access lane, or split lanes under specific conditions. It permits this when two or more lanes are moving at 10 mph or slower, with riders limited to 25 mph and required to yield to disabled or emergency vehicles already in those lanes. The law directly affects motorcycle operators navigating slow-moving traffic on multi-lane roads. The provision expires 18 months after enactment, as specified in the bill's sunset clause.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the sale of kratom products by requiring retailers to provide clear labels listing ingredients, manufacturer details, and safe usage instructions. It bans selling kratom mixed with harmful substances (like controlled drugs), products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, or synthetic kratom compounds. Retailers face fines up to $5,000 for violations, including $1,000 for selling to anyone under 21. The law applies to businesses selling kratom as food, supplements, or beverages but does not ban kratom itself.

Maddy summaryHD 3165 establishes a $25 per hour minimum wage for care workers in home care agencies and social service programs, with annual inflation adjustments based on the U.S. Department of Labor's CPI index. The bill directly affects home care workers and social service program providers by requiring agencies to pay this enhanced wage. Key provisions mandate that state payment rates for these services must fully cover the cost of this higher wage, adjusted annually for inflation. This policy change ensures care workers' compensation keeps pace with living costs while requiring rate adjustments to providers' reimbursement.

Maddy summaryHD 1049 regulates kratom products sold in Massachusetts. It requires kratom retailers to provide clear labels listing the manufacturer, full ingredients, and safe usage directions. The bill bans selling kratom products adulterated or contaminated with dangerous substances (including controlled substances), products exceeding 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloid, or those containing synthetic kratom compounds. Retailers face fines up to $5,000 for violations, including $1,000 for first-time sales to minors under 18. The Department of Public Health will establish safety testing standards for enforcement.

December 15, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 383) of John F. Keenan for legislation to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure; (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 454) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to conduct a study on the delivery of special education services; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 455) of Bruce E. Tarr relative to the foundation funding of special education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2864).

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts municipal zoning rules for housing. It changes the threshold requiring towns to allow more housing units: municipalities where low/moderate income housing (per Chapter 40B) is below 10% of total units must now permit additional housing, removing a previous barrier. The bill also gives towns flexibility on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing them to decide whether owner occupancy is required and how many extra parking spaces are needed for ADUs. These changes directly affect towns below the 10% housing threshold and their zoning regulations for new housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a standardized system for school interpreters to improve access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents and students. It creates three interpreter tiers: Tier 3 (required for specialized meetings like IEPs or discipline discussions), Tier 2 (for standard meetings), and Tier 1 (only for emergencies when higher tiers aren't available). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop training, assessment, and a public registry for Tier 3 interpreters, including required field experience and competency standards. The law mandates phased implementation, with full statewide use of Tier 3 interpreters for specialized meetings required after the commissioner certifies readiness. It directly affects schools, LEP families, and interpreters working in Massachusetts public schools.

Maddy summaryHD 507 extends Massachusetts' prevailing wage requirements to offsite fabrication work for public construction projects. It requires contractors to pay prevailing wages for prefabricated items like pipes, electrical systems, or modular units made offsite, and to include specific payroll details in weekly reports (e.g., facility location, worker names, hours, and wages). This applies to all public projects covered by existing wage laws, ensuring offsite manufacturing work meets the same labor standards as on-site construction. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHD 1706 prevents landlords from evicting tenants solely due to having a pet during a state of emergency (unless the pet causes harm), and bans breed-based restrictions in housing rules, condo bylaws, and tenant screening. It limits additional rent for common household pets to 1% of monthly rent per dog or cumulatively for other pets, while exempting service animals. The bill also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums based on dog breed, except for designated dangerous dogs. These changes apply to residential landlords, housing authorities, and insurers, aiming to reduce pet-related housing barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth center sustainability. The fund, administered by the state health department, receives state/federal maternal health funds and private donations, with unspent balances rolling over annually. It finances student education costs, midwife loan forgiveness (potentially requiring work in underserved areas), midwifery training programs, and mental health support for practicing midwives. Additionally, the bill mandates that state health insurance programs pay certified midwives and freestanding birth centers at rates no lower than those for physicians or hospital services for equivalent care.