Rep. Susannah Whipps

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Warwick to keep David A. Shoemaker as its police chief until he turns 70, rather than retiring at the standard age of 65. The law permits the town to require a medical exam at its own cost to ensure he remains mentally and physically able to do his job. Additionally, it prevents any further deductions from his salary and ensures he receives a full retirement benefit upon reaching 70, matching what he would have gotten at age 65.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Massachusetts to tax agricultural and horticultural land based on its farming value rather than its potential market value. The change would directly affect landowners who actively use their property for farming or gardening, potentially lowering their property taxes. To qualify for this reduced valuation, a land parcel must have been used for these purposes for at least two years and meet specific size requirements depending on the municipality's population. The amendment requires approval by the state legislature and a vote from the public to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the Massachusetts Constitution to protect farmland and garden land from high property taxes. It would allow the state legislature to tax these properties based on their current farming value rather than their potential market value if they were sold for development. To qualify for this lower tax rate, a specific parcel must have been actively used for agriculture or horticulture for the two years before the tax year. This change directly affects landowners in rural and semi-rural areas who wish to keep their land in production. The measure requires approval by both houses of the state legislature and a vote by the public to become law.

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Garcia of Chelsea and Ryan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2527) of Judith A. Garcia, Daniel J. Ryan and others for legislation relative to retirement benefits for care givers at the Soldiers' Homes. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to voluntarily implement a fee on real estate transfers to generate revenue specifically for affordable housing. Under the new provisions, settlement agents would collect this fee based on the sale price of a property and remit the funds to local or regional affordable housing commissions. The collected money must be used exclusively for adaptive reuse, production, or preservation of affordable housing projects that serve low- and moderate-income households. Local communities that choose to adopt this option would gain a dedicated funding source to support their specific housing needs without state mandates.

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2747) of Mike Connolly and others for legislation to support affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to pass local laws that limit how much landlords can raise rents and restrict when they can evict tenants. Municipalities would adopt these rules by voting to accept the chapter and then creating specific ordinances that cap annual rent increases at the lower of the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings, dormitories, elderly care facilities, and new buildings with a recent occupancy certificate. Additionally, the bill requires that evictions or lease non-renewals only happen for specific reasons such as unpaid rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or the owner converting the unit to a cooperative.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Athol to create a rent board that can set and adjust rental rates for manufactured housing parks within the town. The board will determine fair rent levels by considering factors such as property tax changes, operating costs, and the condition of the park, while also requiring park owners to register specific information under penalty of perjury. Additionally, the legislation allows the town to regulate evictions and gives the rent board the power to issue orders that tenants can use as a legal defense against eviction proceedings. The act establishes specific court jurisdictions for reviewing board decisions and enforcing the new rules, with violations subject to fines of up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to choose whether to implement rent control and eviction protections for residents in their communities. If a municipality opts in, it must pass local rules that cap how much landlords can raise rents each year and ensure evictions only happen for specific, justified reasons like non-payment or lease violations. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, properties already regulated by other agencies, college dorms, and elderly care facilities. Local governments would have the option to adopt these measures through various methods, including ordinances or binding votes by their residents.