Rep. Colleen Garry

Maddy summaryThis bill allows merchants in Massachusetts to charge customers a fee equal to half of the credit or debit card processing fee when they choose to pay by card instead of cash or check. The law requires that this surcharge be clearly listed on the bill or invoice before the customer makes the payment. Currently, merchants are prohibited from adding such fees, but this proposal would change that restriction to help offset the costs of accepting electronic payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed ticket sellers and platforms in Massachusetts to clearly show the full price of a ticket, including all mandatory fees, before a customer selects it for purchase. It mandates that the total cost and the specific amount of any service charges be displayed prominently in the same font size as the total price to prevent confusion. Additionally, the law prohibits sellers from increasing the ticket price during the checkout process, with the exception of reasonable delivery fees for non-electronic tickets that are disclosed before payment is accepted. These rules apply to anyone selling tickets for events like theater shows, public performances, or amusement parks that require a license.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to study and develop policies against the financial abuse of people over the age of 60. The commission will be composed of legislators, legal experts, advocates for the elderly, representatives from the real estate and financial industries, and staff from aging councils. Its specific tasks include investigating how financial abuse impacts seniors, reviewing predatory lending practices, examining undervalued property transfers, and analyzing deceptive telemarketing or online scams targeting older adults. The group is required to submit a final report with policy recommendations to state officials by December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers injured on the job by requiring the state department to investigate all injury claims and hold conferences to gather evidence, regardless of whether a dispute is currently active. It also expands the legal remedies available to injured workers by allowing for punitive damages and injunctive relief in cases where employers violate specific safety regulations. Additionally, the legislation updates fee schedules and clarifies the types of damages that can be recovered when workers file complaints against employers for failing to meet safety standards.

By Representative Mom of Lowell, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Rady Mom, Brendan P. Crighton and James B. Eldridge relative to instruction on the Cambodian and Vietnamese American refugee experience, the Cambodian genocide and the history and culture of the Hmong people. Education.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill updates the legal definition of fraud within public construction bidding to help ensure fair competition for government projects. It requires bidders to explicitly certify that their bids contain no intentional misrepresentations, omissions, or false statements, while also clarifying that the term "person" includes various business entities and joint ventures. The legislation further defines "fraud" as a knowingly false or misleading statement about a material fact intended to deceive, and it revises the definition of a "responsible" bidder to emphasize necessary skill, ability, and integrity. These changes directly affect construction companies and individuals submitting bids for state contracts by establishing clearer standards for honesty and accountability in the bidding process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools that train aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists to include at least one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education in their curriculum. To obtain or renew a professional license in these fields, individuals must complete this one-hour training, which can be taken in person or online, and the training must be free and approved by the state Board of Cosmetology. The legislation also grants civil and criminal immunity to licensed professionals and their employers who act in good faith based on information they receive during their work regarding potential abuse. Additionally, the bill mandates that post-secondary institutions offering these programs provide the same one-hour training to their students.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Colleen M. Garry and Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Paul O'Brien, an employee of the Trial Court. The Judiciary.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2181) of Colleen M. Garry and Kelly W. Pease relative to the health of mothers and born alive fetuses after the second trimester. Public Health.