Rep. Michelle Badger

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a nine-member Advisory Commission to study sand mining activities in Massachusetts and their effects on drinking water, air quality, public health, and environmental justice. The commission includes representatives from state agencies, environmental organizations, universities, Indigenous tribes, and legislative leadership, and will meet monthly to investigate current and potential impacts over a two-year period. The group will produce recommendations for possible changes to existing mining laws and regulations to better protect public health and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for bait, aiming to protect their population by requiring a complete phase-out by January 1, 2029. It allows limited exceptions for educational or scientific purposes with a permit and permits incidental capture during legal fishing as long as the crabs are returned unharmed. The law establishes a $25 fine for each horseshoe crab taken in violation of the ban and requires the state to create rules to enforce these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires safety inspections for buildings or structures used as short-term rentals in Massachusetts, such as properties rented on platforms like Airbnb. It directly affects property owners and managers who operate short-term rental units. The key provision mandates that these properties undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, including structural integrity and fire safety. The bill aims to protect tenants and residents by preventing unsafe conditions in short-term rental properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines wetlands restoration by removing permit requirements for certain projects, such as restoring salt marshes, provided they're approved by state agencies, don't block public access, and avoid building structures. It also simplifies rules for manually removing invasive plants from natural areas, requiring new state regulations to protect native habitats. The bill mandates a 12-month review of state laws affecting wetland projects to cut permitting costs and time, and launches a 5-year pilot program to fast-track eco-friendly restoration projects like living shorelines. These changes directly affect environmental agencies, restoration contractors, and coastal communities working on wetland conservation.

Maddy summaryHD 3371 defines "Class 3 electric bicycles" as those with pedal-assist motors that stop aiding at 28 mph. It updates the general definition of "electric bicycle" to include all three classes (1, 2, and 3) and removes the prohibition on riding them on sidewalks. The bill also amends trail regulations to allow municipalities, after public notice and hearing, to regulate or prohibit e-bikes on natural surface trails (cleared soil, no added surfacing), replacing a prior outright ban. This directly affects e-bike riders, manufacturers, and local governments managing trails and public spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "nuclear power plant areas" to include all communities within 50 miles of any nuclear facility (active or inactive) that stores spent nuclear fuel or high-level waste in pools or storage facilities until the waste is removed. It requires safety assessments for these designated areas, regardless of whether the community is located within the Commonwealth. The designation applies to both operating plants and inactive sites holding waste, ensuring communities near aging facilities or waste storage receive standardized safety evaluations. This is a procedural change establishing criteria for future assessments, not a direct safety regulation.

Maddy summaryHD 2926, titled "An Act to end the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait," proposes to ban the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for use as fishing bait. This bill directly affects commercial fishermen who rely on horseshoe crabs as bait, particularly in fisheries targeting species like eels and conch. The key provision would prohibit taking horseshoe crabs from natural habitats for bait purposes. As a draft bill under review by House Counsel, its final language may evolve.

Maddy summaryHD 2036 creates a 6-member advisory panel to investigate sand mining's impacts on public health and the environment. The panel includes experts in GIS, ecology, community advocacy, hydrology, and Indigenous environmental justice, appointed by state leaders and the Governor. It will study sand mining effects on drinking water, Environmental Justice communities, climate resilience, and air pollution (including silica exposure) over two years. The panel's findings will inform potential regulatory changes to mining licensing laws under Chapter 21B, Section 5, aimed at protecting water, health, and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for individuals with long-term care insurance policies. It allows eligible people to claim a 20% credit against their excise tax (under Chapter 62) for premiums paid, starting in taxable years ending after December 31, 2023. To claim the credit, individuals must provide required information to the Department of Revenue, which will establish necessary regulations. The credit directly affects residents purchasing qualifying long-term care insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new license allowing federally chartered veterans' organizations (like the American Legion) to operate limited video gaming machines (VGTs) at their facilities. It permits up to 5 VGTs per location with $2 maximum bets and $599 maximum wins, restricted to members and guests over 21. Licensees must pay a 35% tax on gross profits to the Gaming Revenue Fund, comply with strict background checks, and use a centrally monitored system with no cash handling at machines. The license is valid for 5 years, non-transferable, and requires posting gambling help resources.