Rep. Ken Gordon

Maddy summaryHD 1004 allows retailers licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption to issue coupons offering prices below posted rates. However, it requires that the final price customers pay after using a coupon cannot be lower than what the retailer paid for the product (their invoiced cost), minus any applicable discounts. This bill directly affects alcohol retailers who sell to customers for takeaway or home consumption. The key provision prevents retailers from selling alcohol below their cost through discounted coupons, ensuring they maintain a minimum profit margin on promotional offers.

Maddy summaryH 5032 requires that for public construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding $10 million in cost, contractors and subcontractors must ensure at least 15% of labor hours for each trade are performed by registered apprentices. This applies to all public works projects (like schools or roads) and directly affects construction companies bidding on such projects. Contractors must use apprentice programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies can exempt specific trades only after proving no qualified bidders with apprenticeship programs are available, with strict documentation requirements. The bill does not apply to projects under $10 million or exempt entire projects unless documented per trade.

Maddy summaryH 4974 requires contractors working on public construction projects costing over $10 million to hire registered apprentices, phasing in minimum apprentice-hour requirements: 5% after one year, 10% after three years, and 15% after four years. It mandates that contractors maintain approved apprentice training programs and register apprentices with the state, while allowing limited waivers for specific trades if qualified bidders aren't available. The bill also establishes a new commission to study apprenticeship programs and expands a high school career pathway program for building/transportation careers. These requirements apply to all public works projects, contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies involved in qualifying construction contracts.

Maddy summaryH 4994 requires public agencies to mandate that contractors for public construction projects exceeding $10 million in cost must include registered apprentices in their workforce. Specifically, it sets increasing minimums: starting at 5% of total hours for each trade in 2026, rising to 10% in 2027, and 15% by 2028, all performed by apprentices in programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards. Contractors must register apprentices with this division and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies may grant limited exemptions for specific trades if no qualified bidder with an apprentice program is available, but must document and report these exemptions. The bill directly affects public agencies, construction contractors, and subcontractors working on large public projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in the definition of "active duty" within an interstate compact supporting military children's education. It amends Chapter 15E of the General Laws to change "sections" to "chapters" in the relevant section, aligning the wording with the compact's actual structure. The change directly affects military-connected students and schools participating in the interstate compact, ensuring accurate application of educational opportunities during parent deployments. This is a procedural correction to administrative language, not a new policy or benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2085) aims to help apprentices complete their training programs by creating pathways to finish their required hours and certifications. It directly affects apprentices in Massachusetts who are working toward skilled trades careers and the employers who sponsor their training. The key mechanism involves establishing structured opportunities for apprentices to meet training requirements without disruption. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by ensuring more apprentices successfully complete their programs and enter the labor market.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill (H 4930) extends the deadline for the House Committee on Education to report on 19 specific House documents (listed by number) until Wednesday, March 18, 2026. It overrides the standard time limit under House Rule 27. The bill directly affects the Education committee, giving it additional time to finalize reports on these documents. The change is purely procedural and does not alter policy or funding.

Maddy summaryHD 2089 amends existing law to require employers to maintain employees' life insurance coverage during periods of Paid Family and Medical Leave, just as health insurance coverage is currently maintained. This directly affects workers who take qualifying leave and their employers who provide life insurance benefits. The bill adds the specific phrase "and life insurance benefits" to the relevant section of the law, ensuring life insurance coverage continues uninterrupted while employees are on leave. It makes no new provisions but extends an existing requirement for health insurance to include life insurance. The change applies to all employers covered under the current Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Chapter 149 of Massachusetts General Laws to clarify that "employer" in anti-retaliation protections includes all public entities defined under Section 148. It directly affects public employees (state and local government workers) who report workplace issues. The key provision inserts a definition reference to ensure retaliation protections apply uniformly across all public employers, closing potential loopholes. The change makes it clear that public workers cannot face retaliation for reporting violations, such as safety concerns or misconduct, regardless of which specific public entity they work for. This is a concrete policy update to strengthen existing protections without altering other provisions.

Maddy summaryHD 1353 increases monthly benefits for low-income households receiving state assistance programs. It mandates a 20% annual benefit increase starting July 1, 2025, until payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level for each household size. Once this target is met, benefits will automatically adjust each July to maintain at least 50% of the federal poverty level. The bill also includes adjustments for clothing allowances and rental costs for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families relying on these state assistance programs.