Rep. Rich Haggerty

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt Massachusetts veterans from paying the standard $60 registration fee for special veteran license plates. To qualify, veterans must apply and provide satisfactory proof of their service status to the registrar. The change applies to both the initial purchase of the plates and all future renewals, removing the financial cost associated with displaying the distinctive "VETERAN" plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts law that restricts the use of animals in product testing. It directly affects companies and organizations that conduct safety tests on chemicals and other agents for products sold in the state. The key mechanism establishes a legal definition for "alternative test methods," which are procedures that do not involve animals, though the provided text cuts off before detailing specific bans or requirements. By defining these non-animal alternatives, the legislation aims to create a framework for shifting away from traditional animal testing practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new task force called the Pesticide Control Modernization and Environmental Protection Task Force to review Massachusetts' current laws and practices regarding pesticide use. The group will consist of state agency heads, including the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, along with twenty additional members representing diverse interests such as farmers, beekeepers, environmental groups, and pesticide manufacturers. These members will examine existing regulations and provide recommendations on how to improve the state's approach to pesticide control and environmental safety. The bill does not change current pesticide laws but instead creates a committee to study the issue and propose future updates.

Maddy summaryOllie’s Law amends Massachusetts state regulations to improve safety standards for private dog kennels. The bill raises the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single-person private kennel from four to five, provided the dogs are six months of age or older. Additionally, it updates the legal classification code for these facilities from 174F to 174G. These changes directly affect individuals who operate small, private dog kennels on their property.

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2544) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to court officers injured in service of the Commonwealth. Public Service.

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2545) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to line-of-duty death and survivor benefits for police officers and firefighters. Public Service.

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election law to standardize polling hours for regional school district votes across all towns within those districts. Currently, regional school districts often have varying voting times, but this legislation would require all polls in such districts to open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. The change directly affects voters in regional school districts who participate in these specific elections, ensuring a uniform voting window regardless of the town they reside in.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Text of the Senate Bill ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development (Senate, No. 2707) (being the text of Senate, No. 2697, printed as amended)

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2546) of Richard M. Haggerty for legislation to exempt the executive director of the Municipal Police Training Committee from earnings limitations. Public Service.