Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts MBTA communities that already have over 10% low- or moderate-income housing (based on the latest federal census) from certain multi-family zoning requirements. It directly affects towns and cities within MBTA service areas that have met this housing threshold. The key provision removes the obligation for these communities to allow multi-family housing developments under Chapter 40A zoning rules, as long as their existing affordable housing stock exceeds the 10% benchmark. This change applies specifically to communities where affordable housing already aligns with local needs as defined by Chapter 40B.

By Representative Silvia of Fall River, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Alan Silvia, Thomas W. Moakley and Steven S. Howitt relative to the definition of electric mopeds. Transportation.

Maddy summaryHD 1083 prohibits "negative option" sales where consumers are automatically charged after a trial period unless they actively cancel. It requires sellers to clearly explain all costs, cancellation methods, and deadlines before a trial offer, and to obtain explicit consumer agreement before charging. The bill also bans financial institutions from sharing customers' personal or financial data without their specific permission, with limited exceptions like direct customer authorization. This directly affects consumers by preventing surprise charges and unauthorized data sharing, and impacts businesses (sellers and financial institutions) by mandating clear disclosures and consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 5056) creates a new process for Massachusetts courts to handle requests involving depositions or discovery from courts in other states or countries. It requires parties seeking such discovery to submit a foreign subpoena to a Massachusetts court clerk, along with specific details like case information and contact details for all involved parties. The clerk then issues a Massachusetts subpoena incorporating the foreign request, following standard court procedures. This change applies to all pending cases as of January 1, 2027, and aims to streamline cross-jurisdictional legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryHD 1201 requires health insurers to cover unpaid patient deductibles and copays, shifting responsibility from healthcare providers to the insurers. This directly affects insurers, healthcare providers (like hospitals and clinics), and policyholders who cannot pay these costs. Under the bill, insurers must reimburse providers for these unpaid amounts, overriding current rules that often left providers absorbing the cost. The Division of Insurance will create rules to implement and enforce this requirement.

Maddy summaryHD 3473 establishes a standardized process for handling foreign subpoenas (from other states or countries) in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects individuals and organizations receiving such subpoenas in Massachusetts, as well as Massachusetts courts and lawyers who facilitate the process. Key provisions require submitting foreign subpoenas to a court clerk or licensed Massachusetts lawyer, who then issues a domesticated subpoena; this domesticated subpoena can be enforced like a Massachusetts court order. The bill also ensures respondents can claim Massachusetts legal privileges (like attorney-client privilege), outlines cost reimbursement for compliance, and applies to all pending cases upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2566) requires health insurance carriers to pay emergency ambulance service providers directly for covered services, rather than billing patients. It sets payment rates based on municipal rates (if established) or 325% of Medicare rates, capping patient cost-sharing at $100. The law protects insured patients from surprise bills and prohibits providers from billing them further after receiving payment, while also limiting charges for uninsured patients to Medicare rates. It applies to all emergency ambulance services requiring immediate response, affecting patients, insurers, and ambulance providers across Massachusetts.

By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Bruce E. Tarr and others relative to energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents Massachusetts insurance regulators from requiring auto insurers to add surcharges to premiums based on minor at-fault accidents or moving violations where damages are $2,500 or less. It directly affects drivers who have small collisions or traffic violations without significant property damage. The key provision amends insurance law to prohibit the commissioner from creating rules that would impose these specific surcharges for low-cost incidents.

Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 3913) [Local Approval Received]. August 28, 2025.