By Representative Owens of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3395) of Steven Owens relative to the transportation impacts of new developments. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies regulations to require employers with more than 250 employees in Massachusetts to report their drive-alone commuting rates, while exempting those who are part of transportation management associations. It establishes that organizations with low drive-alone rates of 75% or less only need to submit these reports every two years and allows transportation associations to submit consolidated reports for their member employers. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation share data to analyze commuting trends, with the latter using this information to guide funding for projects aimed at reducing solo commuting.
By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Secretary of the State to create a single set of forms for all mail-in voting, eliminating the current distinction between early voting ballots and ballots cast by absent voters. By mandating that applications, instructions, ballot styles, and envelopes be identical regardless of the voting method, the legislation aims to streamline the mail-in voting process for all eligible residents. The change ensures that every voter receives the same materials whether they vote early or on election day, simplifying the administrative handling of mail ballots.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to separate the municipal census process from voter registration in Massachusetts, meaning that failing to respond to a census notice would no longer automatically lead to removal from the voter rolls. Instead of losing voting status, individuals who do not reply to census inquiries would face a monetary fine. The legislation also clarifies the specific legal grounds for removing a voter's name from the register, such as death, incarceration, or moving to a different city or town. By changing these procedures, the bill aims to ensure that non-response to census data collection does not result in the loss of voting rights.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, revenue impacts, and costs, while also gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans and findings to state lawmakers by October 15, 2023. Additionally, the bill allows regional authorities to consider offering completely free fares if that option proves more cost-effective than a means-tested approach.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election law to change how municipalities handle voters who have not voted recently. Under the new rule, a voter is considered inactive if they have not cast a ballot in two consecutive years, rather than just one year as previously defined. This change directly affects local election officials who manage voter rolls and determine which names are removed from active lists. The update aims to streamline the census administration process by using a stricter timeline for identifying inactive voters.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide housing goal to build 427,000 new units in Massachusetts by 2040, with specific targets for affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. It requires the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to submit annual reports detailing progress on these goals, including data on market-rate units, accessibility features, senior housing, foreign property purchases, and short-term rentals. Additionally, the bill adds a definition for "bus station" to clarify that it refers to a building with walls and a foundation at the intersection of bus lines, excluding simple shelters.
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2398) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to access to parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to give tenants a first right of refusal when their rental property is being sold due to foreclosure. It applies specifically to multi-family rental buildings and excludes small owner-occupied homes or temporary shelters. Under the new rules, landlords must notify tenants and a designated nonprofit group before selling the property, allowing these parties to match the highest offer made by outside buyers. The law also defines specific terms like "affiliate" and "designee" to clarify who can participate in the purchase process.
