Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration of Irrigation Contractors in Massachusetts to oversee the licensing of professionals who install and maintain irrigation systems. The seven-member board will be appointed by the governor and include industry experts, equipment manufacturers, and a public representative to ensure balanced oversight. Under the new law, individuals working on underground water systems for landscapes or agriculture must obtain certification from an approved association to legally call themselves irrigation contractors. The legislation also establishes specific definitions for terms like "irrigation system" and "irrigation contracting" to clarify the scope of work covered by the new registration requirements.
Rep. Dave Vieira
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Xiarhos of Barnstable and Durant of Spencer, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos, Peter J. Durant and others relative to reimbursing cities, towns, and regional school districts for the costs of providing supportive services to migrants. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to strengthen domestic violence protections in Massachusetts by formally defining "coercive control" as a specific pattern of behavior. It directly affects individuals experiencing abuse by legally recognizing actions such as isolating a partner from support networks, monitoring their finances or movements, and using threats to restrict their safety or autonomy. The legislation clarifies that these behaviors constitute abuse even if they do not involve physical violence, while explicitly stating that defensive actions taken to protect oneself or children do not count as coercive control. By adding this definition to state law, the bill seeks to ensure that courts and law enforcement can identify and address these non-physical forms of abuse more effectively.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to define disposable menstrual products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, within the state's education statutes. By adding this definition, the legislation provides a clear legal basis for schools to ensure these items are available to students who need them. The change directly affects educational institutions by clarifying the scope of products that should be accessible in school settings. This measure aims to improve access for menstruating students without altering existing funding or distribution requirements.
By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Peter J. Durant and others relative to eligibility for the emergency housing assistance program. Housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill, introduced by Representative James K. Hawkins, aims to update regulations regarding the use of pesticides in Massachusetts. It directly affects agricultural operations, pest control companies, and individuals who apply chemical treatments to manage insects or weeds. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards for pesticide application, storage, and disposal to ensure public safety and environmental protection. By modernizing existing rules, the bill intends to provide a more robust framework for managing chemical substances across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to automatically register eligible young men with the federal Selective Service System when they apply for driver's licenses, learner's permits, or ID cards between the ages of 16 and 26. Under the new rules, applicants aged 16 to 26 would be notified of their legal obligation to register and would have their information sent to the Selective Service unless they explicitly decline on the application form. The legislation ensures that refusing to register or opting out of this automatic process will not result in the denial of driving privileges or any other form of discrimination by government agencies. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state registrar keep lists of those who decline registration confidential and prevents sharing these lists with other entities. Implementation of the program is contingent upon the state securing federal funding to cover the necessary costs for updating computer systems to handle the new reporting requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify that existing exemptions from licensing requirements do not apply to pipefitters who work for contractors or subcontractors hired by large organizations. Specifically, it targets pipefitters employed by firms retained to perform work on the premises or property of entities such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies. The change ensures that these workers must adhere to the same examining and licensing rules as other pipefitters, aiming to standardize professional oversight in specific employment contexts.
By Mr. Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5375) of David T. Vieira (by vote of the town) that the town of Bourne be authorized to establish a shellfish mitigation receipts reserved fund in said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]