Rep. Steve Owens

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts employers with at least 50 employees to offer all non-unionized workers the chance to use pre-tax dollars for commuting via transit or carpooling. Under the new rules, these employers must provide access to benefits that allow employees to deduct up to the federal maximum limit from their gross income for transportation costs. To support compliance, the state Department of Revenue will launch a multilingual awareness campaign and create model materials to help employers inform their staff about these options. Employers who fail to offer these benefits face fines of $100 for the first violation and $250 for each subsequent month of non-compliance, with a cap of one fine per month per employer. The financial penalties for non-compliance will not take effect until one year after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define and address psychological abuse in the workplace, directly affecting employers, employees, and independent contractors. It introduces specific legal definitions for terms such as bullying, mobbing, and toxic work environments to clarify what constitutes mental mistreatment. The legislation also establishes new terminology for psychological injury, ensuring that mental harm is recognized with the same evidentiary standards as physical injury. By updating Chapter 149 of the General Laws, the bill aims to create a clearer legal framework for identifying and addressing non-physical harassment and abuse in employment settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed ticket sellers and platforms in Massachusetts to clearly show the full price of a ticket, including all mandatory fees, before a customer selects it for purchase. It mandates that the total cost and the specific amount of any service charges be displayed prominently in the same font size as the total price to prevent confusion. Additionally, the law prohibits sellers from increasing the ticket price during the checkout process, with the exception of reasonable delivery fees for non-electronic tickets that are disclosed before payment is accepted. These rules apply to anyone selling tickets for events like theater shows, public performances, or amusement parks that require a license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts employers with 50 or more employees to offer all eligible workers the chance to use pre-tax funds for commuting via transit or carpooling. It defines specific terms for employees and employers while excluding the federal government from these requirements. Employers who fail to provide this option face fines of $100 for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent month of non-compliance. The legislation also mandates a public awareness campaign to inform workers about these benefits and establishes a confidential reporting system for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new law in Massachusetts requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for collecting, reusing, and recycling discarded electronic products. It specifically targets producers of items like computers, televisions, printers, and video game consoles, while excluding electronics that are part of vehicles or industrial machinery. Under the proposed rules, producers must pay a minimum fee per pound to authorized collectors who gather these devices from households, small businesses, schools, and municipalities. The legislation defines specific categories of covered devices and sets up a framework where producers fund the recycling process rather than the consumers or local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines key terms related to waste management, including beverage containers, bio-plastics, and environmental justice communities, to establish a clear framework for future regulations. It specifically clarifies that "disposal" encompasses landfilling, incineration, and various forms of energy recovery, while also defining "packaging" to include materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal used for product containment. By setting these precise definitions, the legislation aims to provide a consistent basis for the Department of Environmental Protection and local governments to manage recycling programs and reduce costs across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to reduce the use of single-use plastics by regulating retail establishments and food facilities. It establishes specific definitions for terms like "biodegradable," "compostable," and "carryout bag" to clarify what materials and items are covered by the regulations. The legislation sets requirements for how businesses must handle plastic bags and food service ware, such as restricting certain types of disposable items and specifying standards for reusable and recycled paper bags. By amending the state's General Laws, the act aims to create a consistent framework for businesses to follow in minimizing plastic waste.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to mandate that manufacturers take responsibility for collecting, reusing, and recycling discarded electronic products. It defines specific categories of covered devices, such as computers, monitors, printers, and televisions, while explicitly excluding items like mobile phones, appliances, and industrial equipment. The legislation creates a system where producers must pay a minimum per-pound rate to collectors who gather these items from households, small businesses, schools, and other entities. By shifting the financial burden of disposal to manufacturers, the bill aims to ensure proper handling of electronic waste without imposing direct costs on consumers or large organizations.