Rep. Hadley Luddy

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Provincetown's local government structure specifically for its fire department. It replaces the current fire department governance model with a new board structure appointed by the town council. The change directly affects Provincetown residents, as the fire department serves the community, and the town council, which will appoint board members. The key provision establishes this new board to oversee fire department operations, replacing the previous system outlined in the town's charter.

Maddy summaryHD 4739 amends Provincetown's municipal charter to govern the structure and operation of town boards. The bill requires local approval, which was obtained through a town vote as part of the petition process. This procedural change updates how Provincetown's board systems function under its charter without altering substantive policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Wellfleet to create its own local bylaw restricting pesticide use. It directly affects Wellfleet residents and businesses by giving the town government the legal authority to establish specific rules for pesticide reduction within its boundaries. The bill does not set the rules itself but enables the town to develop and implement its own regulations through local processes. (This is a procedural authorization, not a policy with specific requirements.)

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Eastham to charge a 3% fee on real estate transfers exceeding $1, paid by the buyer at closing. The fee funds Eastham's Affordable Housing Trust Fund or Wastewater Stabilization Fund, as determined by the Select Board. Exemptions include first-time homebuyers (who must live in the home for 5 years), government transfers, family transfers, and certain charitable or affordable housing transactions. The fee is a personal debt of the buyer, with interest accruing on unpaid amounts at the same rate as real estate taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Chatham to use its community preservation funds for housing projects targeting residents earning under 200% of the area median income - expanding eligibility beyond the standard definition in Massachusetts law. It requires approval from Chatham’s community preservation committee for any such spending. The policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families in Chatham seeking affordable housing through the town’s community preservation program.

Maddy summaryHD 4880 imposes a 0.5% fee on real property transfers in Chatham where the purchase price is $2 million or more, payable by the buyer at the time of transfer. The fee requires a certificate of payment for the transfer to be recorded by the registry of deeds, and all collected funds go directly into the Town's Housing Fund to support affordable housing (for households earning up to 100% of the area median income) and attainable housing (for households earning up to 200% of the area median income). The bill exempts certain transfers, such as those to government entities, and allows refunds within seven days if a transaction is canceled. This fee directly affects high-value property buyers in Chatham, with no impact on lower-priced transactions.

Maddy summaryHD 4877 exempts the town of Chatham from prevailing wage requirements for local construction projects costing $50,000 or less. This means Chatham can hire workers without paying the state-mandated prevailing wage rate for small projects under this cost threshold. The bill directly affects Chatham's local government and contractors working on qualifying projects within the town. It takes effect immediately upon passage, altering how Chatham handles wage standards for minor public works.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Chatham to prioritize commercial fishermen for year-round affordable housing under its existing housing program. It amends the Affordable Homes Act to specifically include commercial fishermen as a designated vocation eligible for housing preference, directly affecting this group within Chatham. The key mechanism permits Chatham to use its designated housing funds - typically allocated for other qualifying groups - to create or preserve housing for commercial fishermen. The policy change is limited to Chatham and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHD 4878 establishes the Chatham Housing Trust to create and preserve affordable and attainable housing for year-round Chatham residents. The trust fund, separate from other town funds, will receive grants, donations, and rental income to directly finance housing projects meeting income criteria (affordable: up to 100% of area median income; attainable: up to 200%). A 7-member board, appointed by the select board with community representation, will manage the fund and make spending decisions without requiring new town meeting approvals each time. The trust can accept donations, buy/sell property, and use funds specifically for housing projects serving low-to-moderate income households. This bill directly affects Chatham residents seeking housing options and provides a dedicated funding mechanism for local housing initiatives.

Maddy summaryHD 4947 amends Provincetown's Year-Round Market Rate Housing Trust Fund (formerly called "Rental") to expand its purpose to include year-round housing ownership opportunities, not just rentals. The bill updates the fund's name, revises the governing board structure to include 5 trustees and 2 alternates, and modifies language throughout to replace "rental" with "housing" or add "or ownership." These changes directly affect how the trust fund operates in Provincetown, enabling it to support both rental and ownership housing options. The amendments take effect upon the bill's passage.