By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., for legislation to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the MBTA to improve transparency and performance by expanding public dashboards with specific metrics like cost-per-passenger-trip and revenue recovery ratios, benchmarked against regional transit authorities. It mandates an 80% on-time performance goal for all transit modes (buses, trains, ferries, subways), with monthly route audits and public reporting of results. The MBTA must also implement a fleet replacement program prioritizing low-emission, accessible vehicles and equip all vehicles with real-time tracking for service delays and passenger data. Annual reports to state lawmakers will detail progress on these initiatives, including dashboard updates, on-time performance, fleet modernization, and service reliability improvements.
Maddy summaryHD 3679 prohibits the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) from entering, renewing, or renegotiating contracts for public transit train equipment (rolling stock) with manufacturers owned or controlled by corporations based in specific countries. The bill targets manufacturers incorporated in or operating facilities in the U.S. but linked to countries designated as "nonmarket economies" under U.S. trade law, listed as priority trade concerns by the U.S. Trade Representative, or under active trade monitoring. This directly affects MBTA procurement decisions and rolling stock manufacturers with ties to those designated countries. The law aims to restrict transit infrastructure contracts with foreign entities under specific U.S. trade designations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to annually review vehicle manufacturers' compliance with zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets starting January 1, 2025. It allows the Department of Environmental Protection to delay ZEV requirements for a model year if manufacturers (collectively representing 70% of the market) miss annual goals or if sufficient public charging infrastructure is unavailable. The bill also mandates that all new medium- and heavy-duty trucks purchased or leased by the Commonwealth must be zero-emission vehicles starting July 1, 2025, with full fleet transition required by June 30, 2035. Exceptions are permitted if suitable zero-emission trucks aren't available or charging infrastructure can't support them, and annual progress reports must be submitted to state legislators.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1330) requires Massachusetts internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain explicit written customer consent before collecting, using, disclosing, or selling their personal information. It prohibits ISPs from charging extra fees or denying service to customers who do not provide this consent. The law also mandates that ISPs cannot sell personally identifiable customer data without express written authorization, which customers can revoke at any time in writing. This directly affects all ISPs operating in Massachusetts with state agreements or using state facilities, ensuring greater control over customer data privacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 552) amends Massachusetts law to support municipal light plants during emergencies. It allows these plants to sell, rent, or lease equipment (like generators or tools) used for emergency mutual aid with other communities. It also ensures employees providing such emergency aid are covered under workers' compensation (Chapter 32), including the same rights as if performing regular duties. The changes directly affect municipal light plants and their workers during coordinated emergency responses.
Maddy summaryHD 1314 creates a special commission to study Massachusetts' gasoline sales-below-cost (SBC) laws, which currently prevent gas stations from selling fuel below cost. The commission will analyze how these laws affect gasoline prices, wholesale costs, and competition using data and comparisons with states without SBC laws. It will examine potential consumer savings and recommend whether to keep, modify, or eliminate the current SBC laws. The study, focused solely on gathering data and making recommendations, does not change existing law and will report findings to legislative committees within one year. This bill directly affects gas station operators and consumers by evaluating a policy that influences fuel pricing.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative commission to study small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential baseload power source. The commission will specifically examine how SMRs can work with renewable energy to improve grid stability, and evaluate non-light water coolants for safety and operational effects. The commission includes key energy committee chairs, legislative leaders, and state agency heads, and must submit a report within one year of the bill's passage. The bill itself creates no new regulations or funding but directs a formal study to inform future energy policy decisions.
Senate, April 1, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2414) of Joan B. Lovely, Bruce E. Tarr and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation to establish a tunnel to connect the campuses of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical school, report the accompanying resolve (Senate, No. 3011).
Senate, April 2, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3034).
