Rep. Tackey Chan

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.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 347) of Tackey Chan for legislation to further regulate thoroughbred breeding. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 348) of Tackey Chan relative to the licensure of behavior analysts. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cosmetology and barbering businesses in Massachusetts to display a mandatory multilingual sign about human trafficking. The sign, approved by the attorney general, must include a warning about forced labor and the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. It must be at least 8.5x11 inches, prominently displayed, with English covering at least half the sign. The Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering must provide sample signs and review language needs annually with the attorney general. The law directly affects all shops, schools, and mobile businesses operating under these licenses.

Maddy summaryHD 419, titled "An Act relative to the registration of veterinarians," requires licensed veterinarians in Massachusetts to pay a biannual license fee by January 1st each year and complete mandatory continuing education to renew their license. The bill updates existing law by adding a requirement for veterinarians to provide proof of continuing education to the licensing board and establishes a process for those temporarily retiring or relocating out of state (for up to five years) to maintain their license by paying a lapsed fee and submitting an affidavit. Failure to pay the fee on time may lead to license revocation after a hearing, though payment plus an additional fee before the hearing can restore the license. The changes take effect December 1, 2027.

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 summaryThis bill requires cosmetology businesses (including shops, schools, and mobile operations) in Massachusetts to display a prominently visible sign about human trafficking. The sign, provided by the cosmetology board, must include a warning about forced labor and the National Human Trafficking Hotline number (1-888-373-7888) in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and other languages as recommended. The board must make the sign available on its website and update language options annually based on consultation with the attorney general. This applies directly to all businesses regulated under the cosmetology and barbering licensing system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes licensing requirements for genetic counselors in Massachusetts. It requires applicants to hold a master's degree from an ACGC-accredited program (or equivalent) and ABGC certification, or a doctoral degree from an ABMGG-accredited program (or equivalent) with ABMGG certification. It creates a provisional license for candidates preparing for certification, requiring supervision by a licensed genetic counselor or physician with ABMGG certification during their provisional period. The bill also prohibits unlicensed individuals from using titles like "genetic counselor" or "licensed genetic counselor" in their practice or business.

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 139) of John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the General Court for legislation to update terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pathway for dental hygienists to obtain licensure in the state through reciprocal agreements with other countries or provinces. It allows individuals who are at least 19 years old and of good moral character to practice if they meet specific educational or experience requirements, such as graduating from an accredited program, completing a certain number of semesters as a student, or holding a valid license from a foreign jurisdiction with equivalent competency standards. The law also sets an annual fee for the examination process and requires applicants to pass a board exam covering essential dental hygiene subjects. Ultimately, the legislation expands the pool of eligible candidates by recognizing credentials from outside the state while maintaining established safety and qualification benchmarks.