Rep. Leigh Davis

Maddy summaryHD 4795 removes the requirement that the town manager of Dalton, Massachusetts, must be a resident of the town. This bill directly affects Dalton's hiring process for its town manager position. The key provision changes the existing residency rule to allow the town to appoint a manager who lives outside Dalton. The bill passed with local approval from Dalton's town meeting. (2 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Egremont firefighters to continue working beyond the town's standard maximum age requirement for the position. It directly affects current firefighters in Egremont who would otherwise be required to retire due to age limits. The key provision is a legislative override of the town's existing age policy, enabling their continued employment. The bill was approved locally by Egremont and passed as a joint petition.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Monterey to extend police officer Jennifer O. Brown's employment beyond the standard retirement age. It allows her to continue working until age 70, provided she remains mentally and physically capable of performing her duties, as verified by a medical exam if requested by the town. The bill also specifies that retirement deductions will continue during her service between ages 65 and 70, and she will receive retirement benefits based on her full service, including that period. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHD 4858 establishes a process for recalling elected officials in the town of Dalton. Registered voters (50 or more) can initiate a recall by filing an affidavit with the Town Clerk, citing specific grounds like felony convictions, neglect of duties, or ethical violations. If a petition gathers signatures from at least 50% of voters who participated in the last annual town election, the Select Board must schedule a recall election within 60-90 days, requiring a majority vote *and* over 80% of the last annual election's voter turnout to succeed. The bill prohibits recalls within six months of taking office or during an officer's unexpired term after a successful recall.

Maddy summaryHD 4923 establishes a process for Dalton residents to remove elected town officials through recall elections. Registered voters can initiate a recall by collecting signatures from at least half of the voters who participated in the last annual town election, with valid grounds including felony convictions, repeated absences from meetings, or ethical violations like conflict of interest breaches. A recall election requires a majority vote in favor and at least 80% of registered voters from the last annual election to participate for the recall to take effect. The bill also prohibits recalls during the first six months of an official's term or within six months of the term ending.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5579) of Leigh Davis (by vote of the town) that the town of Stockbridge be authorized to modify employment for the fire department of said town. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 3417) requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation designating June 16th as "Domestic Workers' Rights Day." It directly affects domestic workers in Massachusetts by formally recognizing their contributions and rights through a state-level observance. The key mechanism is a simple gubernatorial proclamation, requiring no new laws or funding, and it would be issued every year on June 16th. The bill is procedural and commemorative, not a policy change.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Leigh Davis relative to tenant representation on the Great Barrington Housing Authority board. Housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2328) of David M. Rogers, Samantha Montaño and others relative to enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.