Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
Rep. Mike Connolly
Sponsored bills
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2368) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, David Paul Linsky, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2874).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to develop an emergency plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and processed food production during crises, coordinated across state agencies. It mandates an annual report tracking local food distribution through state-funded food assistance programs (like school meals and Meals on Wheels), including quantities, types, sourcing farms, and program-specific data. The report must include recommendations for increasing local food use while maintaining affordability and will be published online and submitted to legislative committees. This directly affects state agencies, food assistance programs, and farms supplying locally grown or produced food. The plan must be reviewed every five years and updated as needed.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded "Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund" managed by the Department of Agricultural Resources to convert vacant urban properties into farms and community gardens. The fund supports land acquisition, infrastructure development, and startup costs for projects prioritizing environmental justice communities - areas defined by Chapter 30 - to boost food security, economic development, and climate-resilient farming. Grants will cover collaborative planning, land purchases, renovations, and pilot programs in underserved neighborhoods. The department must report annually on grant recipients, funding amounts, and projects serving environmental justice areas.
Maddy summarySD 1424, "An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions," removes criminal penalties for driving without a license when the suspension results from unpaid administrative fees (e.g., reinstatement fees), rather than traffic violations. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failing to pay such fees, eliminating prosecution for driving under these circumstances. The bill adds a new process allowing applicants to request fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating a license. It also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to drivers, improving transparency and access to hardship requests.
By Representative Duffy of Holyoke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 121) of Patricia A. Duffy and others relative to the conversion of vacant lots to farms, community gardens, and other agricultural enterprises in environmental justice populations. Agriculture.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 61) of Adam Gomez and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish the Vacant Lots to Urban Agriculture Fund to support the conversion of vacant lots to farms, community gardens, and other agricultural enterprises in environmental justice populations. Agriculture.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 112) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to agricultural resilience. Agriculture.
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 314) of Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2870).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like libraries, community centers, or government offices) to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms by January 1, 2028. The stations must support 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, and be positioned 20-25 inches off the floor, with clear signage and ADA-compliant safety features like rails and privacy. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who need assistance with diapering or changing in public spaces. Limited exemptions apply for historic properties, non-public buildings, or projects under $10,000 in cost.