Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators and passengers of electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and other electronically propelled wheeled vehicles (including hybrid e-bikes) to wear helmets meeting ANSI Z 90.4 or Snell 1984 bicycle safety standards while using public ways or bike paths. It directly affects riders of these devices in Massachusetts, excluding motorized wheelchair users. The law prohibits cities or towns from creating stricter local helmet rules and states that violating this requirement cannot be used as evidence of negligence in court. The bill establishes uniform statewide safety standards for these vehicles.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1934) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to funding of the Massachusetts State House police memorial. Revenue.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHD 1106 requires drivers parking non-compatible vehicles in publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging spots to pay fines ($50 for first offense, $100 for repeat). It also grants the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) authority to lease land near highways - including safety rest areas and inspection stations - for installing new EV charging stations. The bill directly affects EV drivers using public charging infrastructure and DOT in planning station locations. It takes effect immediately upon passage, creating concrete rules for station access and expansion.

Maddy summaryHD 1211 requires the school committee of a child's former district to continue funding their approved special education placement (in a private day/residential school or pediatric nursing home) for the remainder of the fiscal year if the family moves to a new district. It covers all approved budgeted costs, including transportation, safety expenses, and required inspections. This applies specifically to children with disabilities already receiving such services under the previous district's arrangement. The bill ensures uninterrupted educational support during relocation, directly affecting moving families and former school districts.

Maddy summaryHD 1210 increases Massachusetts' reimbursement rate for school districts' special education costs from 75% to 90%. This directly affects public school districts that provide special education services by requiring the state to cover a larger share of eligible expenses. The bill amends Chapter 71B of Massachusetts General Laws to change the reimbursement percentage in the relevant section. This policy change would increase state funding for school districts' special education programs.

Maddy summaryHD 2655 requires all public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to display a clear, visible sign showing the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity sold, including all applicable taxes. This applies directly to retail electricity providers operating public EV charging stations. The sign must be at least 8 inches by 10 inches, not obscured by other displays, and must either state the tax amount or indicate taxes are included in the displayed price. The bill aims to ensure consumers see the complete cost before using the charging station.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education. Education.

Senate, November 17, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 326) of John J. Cronin and John F. Keenan for legislation to expand student opportunities in career technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 329) of John J. Cronin for legislation to construct vocational education annexes in gateway cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 330) of John J. Cronin and Vanna Howard for legislation to ensure that all students have an equal chance of being admitted to vocational programs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 332) of John J. Cronin for legislation to expand student access to a vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 358) of Paul R. Feeney, Steven George Xiarhos, James B. Eldridge, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 384) of Edward J. Kennedy that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to establish a commission to examine expanding vocational and technical high school access, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2690).

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.