Rep. Brad Jones

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes banning the sale of cell phone location information to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ individuals, religious liberty, and freedom of movement. It directly affects telecommunications companies and data brokers by restricting their ability to sell precise location data to third parties. The legislation aims to prevent the misuse of location tracking that could expose individuals to discrimination or surveillance in sensitive situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to create supported decision-making agreements, allowing them to choose trusted individuals to help them make life decisions while retaining full control over their own choices. The law defines supporters as people who assist with understanding information, communicating decisions, and accessing records regarding medical, financial, and personal matters, all with the explicit consent of the person making the decisions. Key provisions ensure that the decision-maker can enter into or end these agreements at any time without coercion and that supporters cannot override the decision-maker's self-determination. By adding this new section to the state's probate code, the legislation provides a formal legal framework for individuals to receive support without needing to appoint a guardian.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to further regulate the Lynnfield Center Water District. Environment and Natural Resources.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to salary range transparency (House, No. 4109), reports, in part, recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4890).

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to allow homeowners aged 65 or older to defer paying property taxes if their income is low enough. To qualify, seniors must own their home as their primary residence and have gross receipts that do not exceed the income threshold for a single filer or a married couple. The key mechanism requires these homeowners to sign a formal agreement with the local board of assessors, which allows them to postpone tax payments in exchange for paying the deferred amount plus interest before selling the property or upon the owner's death. The agreement includes specific rules, such as limiting deferred taxes to 50% of the property's value and ensuring that heirs or a surviving spouse must pay the accumulated taxes and interest to keep the home. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board of assessors notify enrolled property owners of application deadlines and requires written approval from any joint owners or mortgage holders before the deferral agreement is finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal training program for supporters and decision-makers involved in supported decision-making agreements for adults with disabilities in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to educate these individuals on their rights and obligations while ensuring the training is accessible and developed with input from those who use the system. Additionally, the legislation mandates that schools inform students and families about supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship during transition planning and Individualized Education Program meetings. Finally, the bill updates legal procedures to require courts to consider alternatives to guardianship and to review any existing supported decision-making agreements when evaluating a request for guardianship.

May 2, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1142) of John C. Velis, Patrick M. O'Connor, Jack Patrick Lewis, Steven George Xiarhos and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1718) of Edward R. Philips, Jessica Ann Giannino and others for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals and establishing a task force to complete a systematic review of the laws pertaining to animal cruelty and protection, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2757).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new subsidiary board within the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine to oversee the licensure and regulation of veterinary technicians. The new board would consist of five members appointed by the governor, including licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and a public representative, who would work without pay but receive expense reimbursement. Key provisions define specific roles for veterinary technicians, assistants, and technology, set criteria for licensing that includes graduation from accredited programs and passing an exam, and outline the board's authority to create rules regarding duties, continuing education, and license discipline. Additionally, the legislation allows students to practice supervised techniques under the guidance of licensed professionals and gives the board the power to adjust the scope of practice for technicians and assistants as the field evolves.

By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3245) of Carole A. Fiola, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 15-member legislative commission to study how service animals are used in Massachusetts and to investigate issues like fraud and misrepresentation. The commission will include representatives from law enforcement, disability advocacy groups, business owners, and animal training organizations to review current laws and compare practices in other states. Its findings, due by April 1, 2025, will offer recommendations on whether to update existing definitions, introduce penalties for misuse, or implement a certification system for service animals.