Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to prohibit new pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. Under the proposed rules, existing pet shop owners who already hold a Class A license from the Department of Agricultural Resources may continue selling these animals, but only from their licensed locations. The legislation does not restrict local governments from passing their own bans on the sale of these pets. Additionally, the bill declares itself an emergency measure to take effect immediately.

Senate, 13, 2024 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 549) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Adam Scanlon, Jack Patrick Lewis, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Steven S. Howitt, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 826) of Natalie M. Higgins, Kimberly N. Ferguson and others for legislation to further regulate the retail sale of certain domestic animals in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2820).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive educational diversion program to address the legal and social consequences of adolescents sharing sexual images, commonly known as sexting. It requires the Attorney General to create this curriculum in collaboration with state education and youth services departments, which will be used to divert minors from court proceedings if they are charged with related offenses. The program also mandates that schools integrate media literacy instruction using the same materials to help students understand the risks of online image sharing. Additionally, the legislation expands the legal definition of abuse to include coercive control and increases fines for certain offenses.

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3103) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., and others for legislation to establish standard time as the permanent time of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3053) of Steven S. Howitt and others relative to information provided to relevant state agencies upon the submission of applications for state grant funding. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3054) of Steven S. Howitt relative to the reasons for debarment from the consolidated list of contractors for public contracts. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3055) of Steven S. Howitt for legislation to prohibit members of the General Court from directly or indirectly receiving or requesting compensation from anyone in relation to Committee for Public Counsel Services duties. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3056) of Steven S. Howitt relative to corporate filing requirements. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Workforce Skills Cabinet within the Governor's office to coordinate state efforts on workforce development and college readiness. The Cabinet will include representatives from key agencies, business leaders, labor organizations, and community stakeholders who will meet monthly to align policies and strategies across the state. Its main duties involve creating joint plans for workforce training, conducting biennial studies on program equity, releasing annual reports on labor market needs, and improving data sharing between agencies. Additionally, the Cabinet will advise education departments on the employability skills students need to succeed in their careers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires doctors in Massachusetts to discuss specific risks and alternatives with patients before prescribing initial or third opioid pain medications. The law mandates that providers explain the dangers of addiction, overdose, and mixing opioids with other depressants, while also outlining why the prescription is necessary and what other treatments might be available. Practitioners must document these conversations in the patient's medical record, though the requirement does not apply to cancer patients, hospice residents, long-term care facility residents, or those being treated for substance abuse.