Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryHD 2542 regulates drone operations in Massachusetts by prohibiting municipalities from creating their own drone rules (except as allowed by federal law or state regulations). It bans armed drones, requires compliance with FAA rules (with fines up to $100 for violations), and strictly prohibits drone surveillance of private property without consent, with limited law enforcement exceptions for warrants, terrorism threats, or active emergencies. The bill also mandates that law enforcement delete drone footage within 120 days unless it’s evidence in an ongoing investigation. This directly affects all drone operators, local governments, and public safety agencies in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools to teach mental health education as a required subject for every grade, emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health. It directly affects public school students, school committees, and private schools seeking approval. Key provisions mandate that private schools must include mental health education in their curriculum to receive approval, matching the requirements for public schools. The law updates existing education statutes (Ch. 71 Sec. 3 and Ch. 76 Sec. 1) without altering religious teaching or transportation policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates drone (UAS/UAV) use in Massachusetts. It prohibits municipalities from making their own drone rules, bans operating drones armed with weapons (except for public safety personnel), and prohibits interference with manned aircraft or emergency response. It requires drone operators to follow FAA rules and fines violations (up to $100 for minor breaches, up to $10,000 for causing aircraft damage). Crucially, it bans drone surveillance on private property without consent, with specific exceptions for law enforcement obtaining warrants or responding to emergencies. The law applies to all drone users, including individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to assess and improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, and safety in all public higher education buildings across Massachusetts. The commission, including representatives from universities, labor groups, health and environmental organizations, must develop standards by 2028 and create a plan to ensure all public college/university buildings meet these standards by 2037. It requires public reporting through an online dashboard tracking building assessments and prioritizes renovations for facilities serving underserved communities or with the greatest health/safety needs. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund to finance these upgrades using state appropriations, grants, and other sources, with cost-benefit analyses comparing long-term savings to upfront investments.

By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 577) of Brandy Fluker-Reid and others relative to charter school tuition reimbursement. Education.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1403) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, Adam Gómez and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to reducing administrative burden. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 869) of Adam Gomez, James K. Hawkins, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care. Health Care Financing.

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 145) of Mike Connolly, Samantha Montaño and Manny Cruz for legislation to expand cannabis delivery. Cannabis Policy.

Maddy summaryH 4533 removes three specific restrictions on cannabis businesses in Massachusetts. It eliminates bans on marijuana businesses transferring seeds, plants, or products between licensed entities, ends the prohibition on inorganic cultivation methods, and allows licensed delivery services to operate in all municipalities. This bill directly affects cannabis cultivators, retailers, product manufacturers, and delivery companies by expanding their operational flexibility. The key change enables broader business partnerships and statewide delivery options without municipal restrictions. The bill is currently moving through committee review.

Maddy summaryHD 1791 requires all public schools in the Commonwealth to stop using athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference, represent, or are associated with Native Americans, including specific tribes or cultural elements. Within three months, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must create a list of affected schools, which the Commission on Indian Affairs will review and publish. Schools on this list must develop a plan to phase out these mascots within three years through a formal agreement with the Department, consulting with tribal representatives. The bill also prohibits schools from adopting new mascots that reference Native American cultures and denies state education grants to schools that fail to comply.