By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2182) of Michael O. Moore, Robyn K. Kennedy, Hannah Kane and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to establish May as native plant month. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryHD 2762 updates definitions and procedures for protecting people with disabilities in Massachusetts. It clarifies "abuse" to include specific acts like withholding adaptive aids or certain physical force (defined as "abuse per se"), and redefines key terms like "disabled person" (ages 18-59 with intellectual, developmental, or other disabling conditions requiring daily assistance). The bill also revises the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to have 3 appointed members (instead of more) and requires it to create a special investigative unit for abuse reports involving criminal conduct. Additionally, it strengthens privacy protections by limiting disclosure of personally identifiable information in investigations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4154) is a local legislative act concerning the Richmond Free Public Library. It received formal approval from the Town of Richmond, as noted in the petition. The bill does not describe substantive policy changes or funding mechanisms; it solely addresses the library's local governance through municipal approval.
Senate, December 1, 2025 -- The committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2337) of Rebecca L. Rausch and Leigh Davis for legislation to establish a choreographer laureate of the commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2741).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an honorary "choreographer laureate" position in Massachusetts to celebrate and promote the state's dance community. The governor appoints a Massachusetts resident choreographer (from a list of three nominees selected by a committee of dance leaders) for a 4-year term, renewable once. The laureate's duties include elevating dance arts, choreographing for state events, and encouraging public participation, with no salary but $1,000 annual expense reimbursement. It directly affects choreographers with a proven body of work in Massachusetts and aims to strengthen the state's dance legacy through formal recognition.
Maddy summaryHD 3719 establishes the Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FAS) pilot grant program to provide direct cash assistance to survivors of violence and their families. The program, administered by the Department of Public Health, funds community-based organizations to distribute flexible cash payments (e.g., prepaid cards, checks, or direct deposits) to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, firearm injuries, and other specified violence, including family members who witnessed such acts. Eligible organizations must serve survivors directly, with priority given to those working with disproportionately impacted groups like survivors of color, undocumented individuals, people with disabilities, and those facing homelessness. The bill mandates an advisory committee including survivor voices to streamline applications and reduce paperwork burdens for grant recipients.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment system for streaming entertainment companies using public rights-of-way in Massachusetts. It requires companies earning over $250,000 annually in the state to pay an assessment based on their gross revenues, with rates set annually by a new advisory board. The collected funds aim to maintain previous revenue levels for community media facilities (PEG access facilities), which provide public, educational, and government programming. The bill directly affects streaming operators, not end-users, and establishes a structured process for collecting payments while prohibiting rate regulation of these services.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative Davis of Great Barrington (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 356) of Janel Munoa relative to horse racing or simulcasting licensing in cities and towns. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.
