Rep. Brad Jones

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a free "Blue Star Family" license plate or emblem for immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of police officers who died in the line of duty. The plate or emblem must be used on a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle owned and primarily used by that family member. The officer's death must meet the criteria for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. to qualify. The registrar issues these plates without charge upon presentation of proof of the officer's death.

Maddy summaryH 4831 requires all local, regional, and state public meetings to offer free, accessible remote participation and viewing. It mandates that remote attendees can vote, count toward quorum, and access meetings without fees or barriers - including captioning and disability accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public bodies must post meeting notices online 48 hours in advance (excluding holidays), and state meetings must be recorded and posted within 10 business days. The bill updates notice requirements for different government bodies and ensures remote access is available to all, including people with disabilities.

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 633) of Paul W. Mark and Joseph D. McKenna for legislation to establish a free snowmobile weekend. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 1434) prohibits research institutions and product testing facilities in Massachusetts from separating infant nonhuman primates (NHPs) from their biological mothers for research, experimentation, or product testing. The rule applies to all infant NHPs (e.g., monkeys) during their first 12 months of life, with exceptions only for immediate medical necessity to protect the health of either the infant or mother. Facilities must minimize distress during any temporary separation and reunite mothers and infants as quickly as possible unless medical care requires delay. The law requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create implementing regulations within 90 days of the bill’s passage.

Maddy summaryHD 368 requires all public bodies (including local towns, school districts, counties, and state agencies) to make meetings both physically open and remotely accessible to the public. It mandates that meetings must be viewable online via free video platforms without charge, with captioning and accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities. The bill also requires 48-hour advance notice of meetings (posted online and visibly in public buildings), specifies minimum physical presence requirements for voting members, and requires state meetings to be recorded and posted within 10 business days. These changes aim to modernize public access to government meetings while maintaining transparency and inclusivity.

Maddy summaryH 4762 establishes a commission to study housing affordability and zoning reforms in Massachusetts. The commission will analyze current zoning rules (like minimum lot sizes and restrictions on multi-family housing), examine exclusionary practices affecting low- and moderate-income residents, and study successful approaches from other states. It will use data modeling and expert input to evaluate how zoning changes could increase housing supply and reduce costs, with recommendations due by December 2026. The bill does not enact new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions by the legislature. This study directly affects Massachusetts housing policy development and could influence future zoning regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4645, now Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2025) increases penalties for assaulting public transit workers while they are on duty. It makes it a crime to commit assault and battery - including using bodily substances like blood or saliva - against a transit worker performing their job, punishable by 90 days to 2.5 years in jail or fines of $500 to $5,000. The law specifically defines "bodily substance" to include human secretions such as saliva, urine, or feces. It directly affects transit workers by strengthening legal protections during their work. The bill was enacted in late 2025 after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor’s signature.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2185) of Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to responsibly reducing emissions in the transportation sector. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summarySD 1519 modernizes Massachusetts' competitive electricity market by requiring energy marketers (companies selling electricity to customers) to follow new rules. It mandates that customers can switch suppliers within 3 business days, eliminates interim rates for moves within a utility's area, and requires a single bill format showing both energy and distribution charges by 2025. The bill also introduces licensing requirements, including a $10,000 fee and a $5 million bond per license for energy marketers, plus mandatory training for their representatives. Additionally, it sets rules for in-person door-to-door sales, requiring language verification and third-party phone number tracking. These changes directly affect energy suppliers, distributors, and residential and small commercial electricity customers in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 245 creates a state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative administered by the Department of Public Health. It establishes a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council (including patient advocates and representatives from cancer networks) to develop hospital certification standards, identify underserved areas for improved care access, create a multi-provider consortium for best practices, and develop a standard tissue consent form for research. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and patient needs, plus a public education program about genetic risks and symptoms. Additionally, it requires the insurance commissioner to survey genetic testing coverage and the health center to update pancreatic cancer screening benefit reviews by 2026. This bill directly affects pancreatic cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the state's public health infrastructure.