Rep. Jim Hawkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that on construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that contractors and subcontractors follow a phased schedule where 5% of hours are done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to 10% after one year, and reaching 15% after two years. These requirements apply to all trades subject to prevailing wage laws and must comply with existing apprentice ratios set by relevant license boards. The legislation aims to create a more skilled workforce by ensuring larger public and private projects integrate more trainees into their operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study and review Massachusetts condominium laws, directly affecting current and future condominium owners, property managers, and community associations. The seven-member committee will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Governor, and must include specific experts such as a condominium law attorney representing unit owners, a current unit owner, and a certified property manager. Over the course of its work, the commission will hold public hearings to investigate issues like board meeting procedures, fee increases, financial audits, and dispute resolution processes before submitting a report with recommendations for new regulations by January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes adults with disabilities in Massachusetts to enter into supported decision-making agreements as an alternative to traditional guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters and decision-makers and mandates that schools inform students with disabilities about this option when they turn sixteen. The legislation defines the roles of supporters and decision-makers, outlines the rights and obligations of each party, and establishes rules for dispute resolution while ensuring the decision-maker retains full control over their life choices.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to fund the development of mixed-income social housing, directly affecting local and regional housing authorities and residents seeking affordable homes. It authorizes the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority to issue $100 million in taxable bonds to establish a revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance for these projects. The legislation mandates that funded developments maintain public ownership, include a significant portion of below-market rent units for at least 99 years, and meet strict energy efficiency standards by excluding new gas hookups. Additionally, the program gives priority to projects that do not rely on existing Low Income Housing Tax Credits or tax-exempt volume caps.

Maddy summaryThis law bans the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, such as circuses and mobile carnivals, effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits anyone from allowing these animals to perform tricks or participate in entertainment while being transported in vehicles between locations. The ban does not apply to animals that live permanently at a fixed facility, veterinary transport, or film productions that do not involve live public exhibitions. Violations of the new rules can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved.

By Representative Scarsdale of Pepperell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2654) of Margaret R. Scarsdale and others relative to certain exemptions from the civil service laws. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Consumer Health Data Act to regulate how companies collect, use, and share personal health information. It directly affects consumers by requiring businesses to obtain clear, specific, and voluntary written consent before gathering sensitive data such as DNA, biometric scans, and health metrics. The law prohibits obtaining consent through broad terms of service, passive actions like hovering over content, or deceptive design choices like pre-checked boxes. Additionally, it defines key terms like "affiliate" and "biometric data" to ensure clarity in how these protections apply across different types of health-related information.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to ensure that the state minimum wage applies to both public and private employers. The key provision explicitly states that the minimum wage rules override any conflicting state laws, such as those regarding tipped minimum wages. By removing the word "It" and adding "public or private," the legislation aims to create a uniform minimum wage standard across all workplaces in the state. This change would directly affect all employees in Massachusetts, regardless of whether they work for the government or a private company.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Massachusetts laws against wage theft by expanding the Attorney General's ability to take legal action on behalf of workers who have been underpaid. It allows the Attorney General to file civil lawsuits seeking lost wages and benefits, with a provision that successful workers receive triple the amount owed to them as compensation. The legislation also clarifies that violations of wage theft laws are criminal offenses rather than just civil matters and protects employees from retaliation if they report these violations. These changes aim to increase employer accountability and provide a more robust public enforcement mechanism for recovering unpaid wages.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill proposes to raise the state minimum wage to $20.00 per hour and establish a mechanism for future annual adjustments based on inflation. It applies to both public and private employers across the Commonwealth, ensuring that wage increases maintain employee purchasing power over time. The legislation also clarifies that paying an oppressive or unreasonable wage is against public policy, making such employment contracts legally void. By setting a specific dollar amount and a formula for future hikes, the bill aims to align the minimum wage more closely with a living wage without requiring new legislative action each year.