Rep. Mindy Domb

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Amherst to use ranked-choice voting exclusively for its municipal elections, overriding standard state election laws. It establishes specific definitions for election terms and mandates that ballots allow voters to rank candidates by preference. The legislation also details a precise mathematical process for counting votes, where ballots are distributed in rounds to elect candidates who reach a vote threshold or eliminate those with the fewest votes.

By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to restore voting rights to individuals in Massachusetts who have been convicted of felonies. It achieves this by removing specific language from state election laws that currently disqualifies people with felony convictions from voting. The changes would allow these individuals to participate in elections regardless of whether they are currently incarcerated or on parole.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts election laws to adjust the annual limits on political contributions that individuals can make to specific types of committees. It raises the yearly cap for donations to unspecified political committees from an existing amount to $500 and establishes a new $5,000 annual limit for contributions to independent expenditure political action committees. These changes directly affect voters and donors by altering the maximum amounts they are legally permitted to give to these groups within a single calendar year. The legislation does not change rules for contributions to candidates or traditional party committees, focusing solely on these two specific categories of political spending.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2306) of Marjorie C. Decker and Mindy Domb for legislation to require licensed gun owners to submit yearly affidavits. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as in-law suites, in single-family residential areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The legislation defines these units as self-contained living spaces with separate entrances that cannot be sold separately from the main home and must be at least 450 square feet but no larger than half the size of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet. A key provision requires that at least one person in either the main house or the new unit must be elderly or have a disability, while still permitting municipalities to limit the total number of such units to a minimum of 5 percent of existing housing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for parking, requiring no more than one additional space, and allows local governments to regulate setbacks and building height.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a program that helps families, youth, and adults avoid becoming homeless by providing cash assistance and services. It allows individuals at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off to receive aid even before they have received official legal notices, using certified statements from landlords or utility companies to verify their financial struggles. The program specifically targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with at least half of the funds reserved for those living at or below 30% of that income. Eligible recipients include families with children under 21, seniors, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and the financial aid is limited to covering actual unpaid rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2343) of Natalie M. Higgins and Mindy Domb that the State 911 Department publish on its website a statewide disability indicator form. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to give tenants a first right of refusal when their rental property is being sold due to foreclosure. It applies specifically to multi-family rental buildings and excludes small owner-occupied homes or temporary shelters. Under the new rules, landlords must notify tenants and a designated nonprofit group before selling the property, allowing these parties to match the highest offer made by outside buyers. The law also defines specific terms like "affiliate" and "designee" to clarify who can participate in the purchase process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts National Guard to send written notice to state legislators before deploying troops within their districts. The notice must explain the specific reasons for the activation, such as whether it was requested by local officials, where the troops will be sent, and what event prompted the order. This change directly affects members of the House of Representatives and the Senate by ensuring they receive advance information about National Guard operations in their areas. The legislation aims to increase transparency by mandating that the Adjutant General provide these details in advance of any deployment.