Rep. Dave Rogers

Maddy summaryThis bill requires food establishments in Massachusetts to stop providing single-use plastic straws unless a customer specifically asks for one. It defines a food establishment as any place that prepares or serves food and clarifies that straws made from plastic, including those derived from plants like corn, are included in this rule while materials like paper or wood are excluded. Violations of the new requirement would result in a written warning for the first offense and a fine of up to $25 per day for subsequent violations, with an annual cap of $300.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for single-use plastic beverage containers sold in Massachusetts, requiring them to either have caps that are tethered to the bottle or feature an opening that allows drinking without removing the cap. Starting in January 2024, all plastic bottles must also contain at least 15% postconsumer recycled plastic, with the state Department of Environmental Protection authorized to adjust this percentage based on market conditions and technology. The law applies to manufacturers and retailers of single-use containers holding one liter or less of drinks like soda, water, and juice, while explicitly excluding glass and metal containers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new law in Massachusetts requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for collecting, reusing, and recycling discarded electronic products. It specifically targets producers of items like computers, televisions, printers, and video game consoles, while excluding electronics that are part of vehicles or industrial machinery. Under the proposed rules, producers must pay a minimum fee per pound to authorized collectors who gather these devices from households, small businesses, schools, and municipalities. The legislation defines specific categories of covered devices and sets up a framework where producers fund the recycling process rather than the consumers or local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to reduce packaging waste by requiring all retail food establishments to use compostable, recyclable, or reusable food service ware starting in 2025. The legislation defines specific standards for what counts as compostable, such as requiring third-party certification for bioplastics, and clarifies that reusable items must be durable enough for multiple uses. Food vendors preparing or packaging food on-site must comply with these requirements, while the Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with creating regulations to enforce the rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers injured on the job by requiring the state department to investigate all injury claims and hold conferences to gather evidence, regardless of whether a dispute is currently active. It also expands the legal remedies available to injured workers by allowing for punitive damages and injunctive relief in cases where employers violate specific safety regulations. Additionally, the legislation updates fee schedules and clarifies the types of damages that can be recovered when workers file complaints against employers for failing to meet safety standards.

Senate, January 2, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to fentanyl test strips (Senate, No. 2458),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2543).

Senate, October 10, 2023 -- The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 926) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to fentanyl test strips; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1736) of David M. Rogers, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf relative to fentanyl test strips, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2458).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new health coverage program for children and young adults under 21 in Massachusetts who currently lack access to MassHealth solely because of their immigration status. It allows these individuals to receive comprehensive health benefits similar to those available to other residents who meet standard income and age requirements, regardless of whether they qualify for federal funding. The law mandates that the state maximize available federal money for these benefits but ensures that eligibility is not dependent on receiving that federal support.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to protect the right to repair portable wireless devices, such as smartphones. It defines specific roles like "authorized repair providers" and "independent repair providers" to clarify who can legally fix these devices. The legislation requires manufacturers to provide necessary parts, tools, and technical documentation to independent repair shops on fair and reasonable terms, ensuring they have equal access to repair information. By mandating these provisions, the bill aims to allow consumers to choose where they get their devices fixed without being restricted by manufacturer policies.

The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 142) of Michael D. Brady, Sal N. DiDomenico, Anne M. Gobi, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to digital right to repair; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 360) of Adrian C. Madaro and others relative to digital right to repair, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2478).