Rep. Marjorie Decker

By Representative Reid of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1027) of Sean Reid relative to environmental impact statements for zero- or near-zero emission rail infrastructure. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 933) of Mindy Domb relative to plastic bag reduction. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 658) changes how unemployment benefits are calculated for workers with irregular schedules. It modifies the law to use wages from the two highest quarters (instead of just the single highest quarter) when determining benefit amounts. If using this two-quarter method makes a worker ineligible for benefits, the bill ensures they receive a minimum payment equal to 1/26th of their total wages reported in those two quarters. This directly affects hourly or part-time workers whose earnings vary significantly between pay periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' 529 college savings program rules to allow the inclusion of "fossil fuel free" investment options. It defines a "fossil fuel free portfolio" as one with less than 0.25% fossil fuel investments (excluding companies involved in exploration, extraction, or processing of fossil fuels) and a reasonable fee structure. The amendment updates the law to explicitly permit these options within state-run college savings programs, even if not otherwise offered through the standard MEFA program. This directly affects MEFA (the state's 529 administrator) and investors in Massachusetts' college savings plans, providing a new investment choice meeting specific environmental criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools (including public, charter, and non-public) and child care centers serving pre-K through 12th grade to annually test every drinking water outlet for lead. If lead levels exceed one part per billion, schools must immediately shut off affected outlets, install certified point-of-use filters within 18 months, replace water fountains with filtered stations (one per 75 students), and maintain ongoing testing. Schools must also publicly report test results, remediation plans, and notify parents and staff of any elevated lead findings. The law directly affects all K-12 schools and child care centers in the state, mandating concrete actions to ensure safe drinking water.

Maddy summaryHD 3369 establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund to finance projects that help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts. It requires fossil fuel companies and entities that extracted coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts between 1995 and 2024 to pay into the fund based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. Payments will support concrete adaptation projects like upgrading stormwater systems, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and protecting communities from extreme weather. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - neighborhoods with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to ensure equitable access to climate resilience efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts transportation planning to align with climate goals by mandating that regional transportation plans and projects meet greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets. It establishes a process for assessing emissions and VMT impacts of transportation projects, including requiring mitigation measures like transit expansions, active transportation infrastructure, or land-use changes to offset emissions. The Department of Transportation must publish these assessments online and ensure mitigation efforts are localized to affected communities or underserved areas. The bill directly affects metropolitan planning organizations, state agencies, and project developers by making compliance with emissions and VMT targets a condition for approving transportation plans and projects.

Maddy summaryThe bill amends Chapter 151A, Section 6 of Massachusetts General Laws by removing subsection (k), but the provided text does not describe what subsection (k) contained or the specific policy change being enacted. Without context on the original subsection or the bill's full provisions, the exact impact on graduate student workers' access to paid family/medical leave or unemployment insurance cannot be determined from this excerpt. The summary provided in the bill text is empty, and the amendment alone does not clarify whether this removes a barrier, eliminates a provision, or modifies eligibility rules. A complete summary would require the full bill text or explanation of subsection (k)'s prior content.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires immigration enforcement officers to allow legal counsel during interviews with immigrants. It directly affects non-citizens facing immigration enforcement actions, such as detentions or removal proceedings. The key provision mandates that individuals must have the option to consult with an attorney before answering questions during such investigations.

Maddy summaryH 1954 would provide legal representation to eligible immigrants and refugees facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney. The bill directs state funding to establish a program connecting these individuals with qualified legal aid providers. It specifically targets people in removal proceedings who lack access to counsel due to financial barriers. This creates a concrete system for fairer immigration court outcomes without altering federal immigration law.