Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public, private, and charter schools in Massachusetts to annually report the number of students who are either successfully immunized or exempt from vaccination requirements. The legislation mandates that the state education department establish the specific method for schools to submit these numbers and then publish the aggregated data online for public viewing. The law includes privacy protections that prevent the release of any information that could identify individual students or violate existing confidentiality rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to restore voting rights to individuals currently incarcerated in correctional facilities for felony convictions. The key provision involves removing a specific exclusion clause that currently bars these individuals from participating in elections. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the change would allow people serving felony sentences to vote while they are in prison. This measure directly affects the state's incarcerated population and aims to expand electoral participation for this specific group.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates animal welfare laws to require department employees and contractors to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect to investigators within two working days, with immediate phone reporting for urgent cases. It protects those who make reports in good faith from legal liability while clarifying that the department itself is not obligated to conduct investigations. Additionally, the legislation allows child welfare officials to request behavior assessments and veterinary records from foster or pre-adoptive homes to ensure child safety, while explicitly prohibiting placement denials based solely on a dog's breed.

Maddy summaryThis law, known as Ollie's Law, strengthens regulations for commercial kennels and boarding facilities to improve animal safety and public oversight. It requires these businesses to obtain licenses that are contingent on passing inspections, limits the number of animals allowed based on facility capacity, and mandates annual reviews of license fees and terms. The bill also establishes a formal process for citizens to petition local officials if a kennel causes a nuisance, such as excessive barking, and requires the state to create detailed rules covering staff training, injury reporting, and emergency planning. Additionally, kennels must maintain records of all dogs in their care and face specific fines for operating without a license or after a license has been revoked.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies in Massachusetts, such as ride-share and food delivery drivers. It mandates that these workers be presumed to be employees of their companies, granting them the same wage, hour, and benefit rights as other workers in the state. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations to ensure these companies provide safe and reliable services while remaining accountable to consumers and the community.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes new protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies, such as ride-share and food delivery apps. The law presumes these workers are employees rather than independent contractors, granting them the same wage, hour, and anti-discrimination rights as other workers in the state. Key provisions require companies to pay a minimum hourly rate for all time spent waiting for or completing assigned tasks, including travel to the first job and time between deliveries. Additionally, the bill mandates that companies provide safe, reliable, and affordable services while holding them accountable to the public and their workforce.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2505) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to public employee retiree benefits. Public Service.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 7B) of Marjorie C. Decker for legislation to authorize the city of Cambridge to impose a real estate transfer fee. Revenue.

By Representatives Connolly of Cambridge and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3845) of Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a real estate transfer fee on certain real estate transactions in said city. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James K. Hawkins for legislation to establish an excise tax for certain applicable taxpayers in excess of the maximum permissible for single-family residences. Revenue.