Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Fund in Massachusetts to finance infrastructure projects that help communities prepare for and respond to climate change impacts. The law defines eligible projects broadly, including coastal protections, upgraded drainage systems, resilient energy grids, and health programs to treat climate-related illnesses. Under the bill, entities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018 would be charged to contribute to this fund based on their historical fossil fuel use. The collected payments would be used to cover the costs of building and maintaining the specified adaptive infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals with eviction records to have those records sealed under specific conditions, aiming to help people secure future housing. It defines key terms such as "eviction action" and "no-fault eviction" to clarify which cases are eligible for sealing, while also establishing rules for how consumer reporting agencies and courts must handle these records. The legislation requires that sealed eviction records be treated as if they never existed for the purpose of rental applications and credit checks, thereby removing barriers to housing for tenants who have faced past evictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to create a comprehensive plan for regulating facial recognition technology across the state. It defines key terms like "facial recognition" and "biometric surveillance technology" to ensure clarity in future rules. The legislation requires the Attorney General to submit a report outlining how the state will manage the use of these technologies by public and private entities. Ultimately, the bill aims to establish a formal framework for oversight rather than immediately banning or mandating specific uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve legal support and housing security for people facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. It creates a new advisory committee to oversee the program and defines specific legal actions, such as those involving mobile home parks or public housing, as "covered proceedings." The legislation designates non-profit organizations to provide legal counsel to individuals involved in these housing-related cases. By formalizing this support system, the bill aims to ensure that tenants have access to legal representation when their housing stability is at risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Massachusetts to petition the court to seal their eviction records if the eviction was not caused by nonpayment of rent or a breach of the lease agreement. The law defines specific terms such as "no-fault eviction" to clarify which cases are eligible for sealing and requires that all appeals be exhausted before a petition can be filed. By removing these records from public view, the legislation aims to help tenants with clean rental histories improve their chances of securing future housing. The changes apply to anyone with a relevant court record in the state's trial court system.

Substituted, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House No. 3969). December 7, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts such as circuses and carnivals across Massachusetts. It specifically bans these animals from participating in performances where they are transported in mobile facilities like trucks or trailers for the purpose of entertainment. The law applies to individuals and businesses but explicitly excludes animals housed at permanent, non-mobile institutions that do not transport the animals for the event. Violations of this new chapter can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved, and enforcement is assigned to state and local law enforcement officials.