Rep. John Gaskey

Maddy summaryH 4357 prohibits manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers from knowingly selling children's products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. It directly affects companies producing or selling items for children 12 and under, including toys, clothing, school supplies, and car seats (excluding specific items like food, medical devices, and certain electronics). The bill requires PFAS levels to be measured using total organic fluorine at thresholds set by the Department of Environmental Protection, with no de minimis level allowed for engineered nanoobjects. This creates a concrete ban on PFAS in children's products, focusing on measurable chemical limits rather than speculative outcomes.

Maddy summarySD 628 requires Massachusetts voters to present a valid photo ID at polling places to cast a ballot. Acceptable IDs include driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, passports, and a new free state-issued photo ID card (marked "FOR VOTING PURPOSES ONLY") for voters who qualify. Voters without ID can still cast a provisional ballot. The bill also updates polling procedures, requiring ballot clerks to verify voter names and addresses, record out-of-state ID details in a database within 30 days, and use specific methods to mark checklists accurately.

By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John R. Gaskey for legislation to make appropriations for the structural repairs, hazard remediation and modernization of fire stations in the city of Fall River. Ways and Means (Joint).

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 1931 requires Massachusetts school districts to notify parents about changes to their child's mental, emotional, or physical health services and to encourage parental involvement in decisions affecting student well-being. It prohibits schools from discouraging parental notification or creating barriers to parents accessing education/health records, while banning instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Schools must obtain parental permission for health screenings in early grades and provide clear procedures for resolving parental concerns within 7 days, with appeals to the Commissioner of Education or courts if unresolved. The bill directly affects parents, students, and school districts by establishing specific notification, consent, and dispute resolution requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires organizers of cannabis-related events (like conventions or educational forums promoting marijuana use) in Massachusetts to ensure all attendees are at least 21 years old. It directly affects event organizers holding such gatherings, excluding youth prevention programs and substance misuse education from the rule. Organizers must verify attendees' ages using specific ID types (e.g., driver's licenses, passports), and non-compliance carries a maximum $2,000 fine, though reliance on acceptable IDs creates a legal presumption of due care.

By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John R. Gaskey relative to solar photovoltaic system disconnection, recycling and battery storage. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts public schools from requiring student athletes on single-sex sports teams (girls' or boys' teams, not co-ed) to compete against opposing teams with athletes of the opposite sex. It also bans schools from penalizing students who refuse such matches or coaches who forfeit matches under these circumstances. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and athletic associations like the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cannot penalize schools, coaches, or athletes for forfeiting these matches, though forfeits may be recorded as losses. The law directly affects student athletes, coaches, and athletic organizations in public high schools and middle schools.

By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John R. Gaskey and Kari MacRae for legislation to establish penalties for certain health care providers providing sexual orientation and gender identity change medical procedures. The Judiciary.

By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John R. Gaskey and Christopher Ryan Thibeault relative to the age of majority. The Judiciary.