By Representatives Ehrlich of Marblehead and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3319) of Lori A. Ehrlich and others relative to eligibility for earned income tax credits. Revenue.
By Messrs. Kulik of Worthington and Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2615) of Stephen Kulik and others for legislation to further regulate expenditures for mortgages from the Community Preservation Trust Fund. Revenue.
By Mr. Kaufman of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2611) of Jay R. Kaufman and others for legislation to provide for an annual review of certain tax expenditures. Revenue.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1023) of Joan B. Lovely, Michelle M. DuBois, Eric P. Lesser, Jack Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the Massachusetts pregnant workers fairness act. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1038) of David M. Rogers and others relative to protecting pregnant workers from discrimination in the workplace. Labor and Workforce Development.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and towns to create local "Democracy Trust Funds" that match small voter donations for municipal candidates. It directly affects municipal candidates and residents in communities that adopt the program: candidates must receive at least $10 contributions from multiple registered voters to qualify for matching funds (up to double the donation amount, capped at $50 per contribution), and must agree to spending limits per campaign cycle. The city clerk administers the fund, with contributions transferred from the town treasury without annual appropriation. This system aims to help candidates without wealthy networks run for office by increasing the impact of small-dollar donations.
Maddy summaryHD 4278 authorizes Cambridge to charge a 2% fee on real estate transfers exceeding $1 million, applying to property sales or major ownership changes in Cambridge. The fee is paid by sellers (not buyers) and excludes government transfers, affordable housing properties, and certain corrections to prior transfers. Collected by the Middlesex South registry of deeds at the time of property recording, all fees fund Cambridge's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The exemption threshold automatically adjusts yearly based on Boston-area inflation data.
