Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts public schools from requiring student athletes on single-sex sports teams (girls' or boys' teams, not co-ed) to compete against opposing teams with athletes of the opposite sex. It also bans schools from penalizing students who refuse such matches or coaches who forfeit matches under these circumstances. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and athletic associations like the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cannot penalize schools, coaches, or athletes for forfeiting these matches, though forfeits may be recorded as losses. The law directly affects student athletes, coaches, and athletic organizations in public high schools and middle schools.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs and cats that are younger than eight weeks old, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to $100. It also bans the selling or trading of these animals in public places such as roadside areas, parks, flea markets, and parking lots, while allowing exceptions for licensed shelters, animal control facilities, and educational exhibitions. Local animal control officers or police are responsible for enforcing these rules, and fines increase for repeat offenses of selling animals in public spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to replace outdated terms like "handicapped" and "mentally retarded" with modern, person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disabilities." The legislation directly affects various statutes within Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover areas including employment, veterans' benefits, and general disability protections. By systematically changing these specific words throughout the legal code, the bill ensures that official state documents use respectful and current terminology when referring to people with disabilities.

Senate, December 19, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill establish the Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem (Senate, No. 2335),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft (Senate, No. 2996).

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a permanent museum dedicated to the Massachusetts National Guard, located in Salem. It designates Salem as the federal birthplace of the National Guard and establishes the museum as the official military museum for the state. The legislation amends state law to formally recognize and fund this new institution, which will serve as a historical resource for veterans and the public.

By Representative Murray of Milford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brian W. Murray and others relative to disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for issuing new alcoholic beverage licenses in the town of Swansea to January 3, 2028. It achieves this by amending a previous state law to replace the existing three-year time limit with a specific future date. The change directly affects the town's licensing authority and any applicants seeking to operate alcohol-serving businesses there.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Swansea to issue up to six new licenses for bars and restaurants that serve alcohol on the premises. These new licenses are restricted to specific establishments located within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area and cannot be transferred to another owner for five years. To receive a license, applicants must prove they are in good standing with tax and unemployment agencies, and the town retains the power to limit these licenses to existing bar owners.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the General Court for legislation to enhance the authority of courts to protect public safety. The Judiciary.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven S. Howitt relative to the storage of electric mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Public Safety and Homeland Security.