Rep. Kristin Kassner

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the residency requirement for new firefighters in Massachusetts. It requires any firefighter hired after August 1, 1978 (who isn't covered by Chapter 31 rules) to live within 15 miles of their city or town of employment, measured from the closest borders of both locations. Cities or towns can increase this 15-mile limit through collective bargaining agreements under Chapter 150E. The law directly affects new firefighters hired by local fire departments after 1978.

Maddy summaryHD 677 requires all real estate license applicants and renewing brokers/salespeople in Massachusetts to complete specific education on fair housing. New applicants must take 40 classroom hours, including at least 4 hours on fair housing law or diversity. Renewing licensees must complete 6-12 hours of continuing education, including at least 2 hours on fair housing law and 4 hours from other topics like accessibility or agency law. This bill directly affects all individuals holding or seeking a Massachusetts real estate license by mandating these education components.

Maddy summaryHD 2395 requires all members of Massachusetts local planning boards, special permit authorities, and zoning boards of appeals to complete annual training on topics including special permits, fair housing, variances, and relevant laws. The training program, developed with input from planning associations and offered online or in-person statewide, must be completed within 60 days of joining a board and every two years thereafter. Boards must document completion for six years, with the state department overseeing program development at no cost to municipalities. This bill directly affects over 500 local boards across Massachusetts by mandating ongoing education for their members.

Maddy summaryHD 913 requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually request full state funding for regional school district transportation starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill mandates these funding requests comply with the Commonwealth's existing legal obligation under Chapter 71, Section 16C. This ensures regional school districts receive the full state funding they are legally entitled to for transportation services. The bill directly affects regional school districts by securing consistent state financial support for their transportation needs.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr and Todd M. Smola for legislation to extend remote participation in the open meeting law. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Senate, December 30, 2024 - Substituted as a new draft (Senator Tarr) for the Senate Bill relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield (Senate, No. 2859).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing system for quarries that produce concrete aggregate used in foundations, requiring applicants to submit geological reports and test results to prove the absence of harmful minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite. It creates a state agency to oversee this process, publish a public database of licensed quarries, and manage a fund to help homeowners with deteriorated foundations caused by these minerals. The legislation also imposes strict liability on unlicensed quarry operators and contractors who use non-compliant concrete, while allowing local governments to set even stricter safety standards.

Senate, July 15, 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2441) of Bruce E. Tarr, Sally P. Kerans and Kristin E. Kassner (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2859).

Senate, December 30, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to crumbling concrete foundations (Senate, No. 2559),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3015).

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 5449) would allow the town of Ipswich to raise the income limit for its Senior Tax Deferral Program. The program currently lets qualifying seniors defer property taxes, but this change would let more seniors with higher incomes qualify for the deferral. It directly affects Ipswich residents aged 65+ who earn above the current income threshold but would meet the new, higher limit. The bill seeks local approval to implement this change to the town's existing program rules.