Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and towns to impose a local tax on vacant residential units in buildings with six or more units that have been unoccupied for 90 consecutive days or newly constructed units not rented within 90 days of occupancy. The tax rate would be 12.5% of the last agreed rental rate or set by the municipality, requiring owners to register vacant units with the local tax office within 30 days. Exemptions apply for units undergoing active redevelopment, during military deployment, after significant medical events, inheritance, or title disputes. It directly affects property owners in qualifying multi-unit buildings, with the tax applying only if a municipality chooses to adopt the program.

Maddy summaryHD 3259 amends Massachusetts' Taxpayer Protection Act to clarify and strengthen oversight of government contracts with private companies. It defines "privatization contract" as agreements for services valued at $500,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation), excluding certain IT contracts with union agreements and professional service agreements. The bill requires agencies to cover increased costs for residents if privatized services become more expensive, bans revenue-based payments (like tuition sharing), and mandates state auditor reviews before renewing such contracts. This directly affects Massachusetts government agencies, school districts, transportation authorities, and private contractors providing services valued above the threshold.

Maddy summaryHD 1883 prohibits state-regulated gas and electric utilities from charging customers for specific expenses through their utility rates. It bans companies from recovering costs related to political advertising, lobbying, trade association memberships, charitable donations, executive travel, or promotional campaigns that encourage service use. Utilities must submit annual reports detailing these prohibited expenses and face penalties - including customer refunds with interest - if they improperly charge rates. This directly affects utility customers by preventing them from paying for these non-essential corporate activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public and charter schools to provide all K-8 students with at least 30 minutes of daily supervised outdoor recess when weather permits, or indoor physical activity if needed. Schools cannot reduce recess time due to curriculum changes or withhold it for academic work, individualized education plans, or completing classroom tasks. Exceptions apply to shortened school days (e.g., delayed openings) and field trip days.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1579) of Liz Miranda and Manny Cruz for legislation to eliminate barriers and expand abortion access for patients under the age of 16. Public Health.

By Representatives Worrell of Boston and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 503) of Christopher J. Worrell for legislation to promote entrepreneurship through employee ownership. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 501) of Erika Uyterhoeven relative to limited liability companies. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve transition planning for youth with disabilities as they leave high school or turn 22. It requires the Transitional Advisory Committee to submit annual county-level reports tracking youth needing habilitative services, residential placement, or agency support. A new commission, including youth/family members and agency representatives, must develop a comprehensive plan within one year addressing communication gaps, service awareness, residential placement delays, and geographic equity in services. The plan will focus on ensuring smoother transitions to adult services for over 22,000 Massachusetts youth annually who lose special education eligibility.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to the divestment from entity which manufactures, produces, promotes, sells, or distributes holds weapons of mass destruction. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryHD 2695 requires Massachusetts' Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) to annually review how recreational and commercial fishing licenses, vessel activities, and coastal development impact endangered whales and sea turtles under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), starting in 2026 for five years. It mandates NHESP to publish annual reports on whale sightings and human-caused injuries, and to evaluate designating Cape Cod Bay as protected habitat for Northern Right Whales. The bill also creates a new "Sustainable Fishing" license program for crab and lobster harvesters using gear that prevents bycatch, initially issuing 25 licenses in 2027 with annual increases of 25 for four years. Finally, it sets the economic value of a Northern Right Whale at $2 million for legal purposes, treating injury or death as equivalent economic loss to the Commonwealth.