Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires automobile dealers and private sellers in Massachusetts to honor pre-paid vehicle warranties when reselling a car. The law mandates that the warranty remains valid based on the original timing and mileage limits until those conditions are met. It specifically applies to vehicles sold by individuals or businesses that purchase cars for the purpose of resale. This change ensures that buyers receive the same warranty coverage regardless of whether the seller is a licensed dealer or a private party.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to stop cities and towns in Massachusetts from receiving lottery money if they choose not to sell lottery tickets within their borders. Currently, the law allows municipalities to opt out of selling tickets while still keeping a share of the revenue, but this amendment would change that by denying funding to any community that opts out. The change directly affects local governments and lottery players, as it ties financial support from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund to active participation in ticket sales. By removing the ability to receive funds without selling tickets, the measure aims to ensure that lottery revenue is distributed only to areas where the games are actually available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires auctioneers in Massachusetts to collect a $50 fee from individuals who buy vehicles with out-of-state titles. The collected fees must be remitted monthly to the Department of Professional Licensure. Additionally, the law mandates that all sales of second-hand vehicles or parts by auctioneers be reported weekly to the registrar of motor vehicles. These changes directly affect auto auctions and the buyers of used cars purchased through them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires auto auctions in Massachusetts to conduct background checks on anyone who wants to bid or buy vehicles at their events. Specifically, individuals with signatory power or bidding access must submit a criminal offense record information check or an equivalent from their licensing state every year when renewing their auction privileges. Auctions are responsible for sending any problematic results to the relevant registry for review. The law applies to all auto auctions and does not exempt anyone except those whose main business is manufacturing or financing vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover colorectal cancer screening for all insured individuals starting at age 45. It mandates that these screenings, which include various tests like colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopy, be provided without any co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs. The law applies to employees of the state, private health insurance policies, and hospital service plans, ensuring broad access to early detection services. By removing financial barriers, the legislation aims to facilitate regular screening for colorectal cancer in adults under 50.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Massachusetts to pay for unpaid deductibles and co-payments owed by their members. It mandates that insurers directly reimburse healthcare providers for these amounts instead of leaving the financial burden on patients. The Division of Insurance is tasked with creating rules to enforce this new liability for insurance companies. This change would shift the responsibility for covering these specific out-of-pocket costs from individuals to the insurance carriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed funeral homes in Massachusetts from simultaneously operating a charitable organization that is exempt from federal taxes. The law directly affects funeral home owners and directors who wish to run nonprofit foundations or similar entities under the same ownership. By adding a new section to Chapter 68 of the state laws, the measure creates a clear separation between for-profit funeral services and tax-exempt charitable activities. If passed, funeral establishments would need to choose between running a funeral business or managing a 501(c)(3) organization, but not both.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas stations in Massachusetts to clearly list the price for each fuel grade alongside the specific payment method used to purchase it. If a station sells the same type of gas at different rates depending on whether a customer pays with cash, credit, or debit, the law mandates that all these prices be displayed equally on signs and in advertisements. The rule applies to all retail fuel dealers and aims to improve transparency by ensuring consumers can easily see how payment options affect the cost of their fuel.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent insurance companies in Massachusetts from adding surcharge points to drivers' premiums for minor at-fault accidents or traffic violations where the damages are $2,500 or less. By amending existing state laws, the legislation directs the insurance commissioner to exclude these specific low-cost incidents from the calculation of insurance risk classifications. The change aims to reduce the financial impact of minor infractions on policyholders while maintaining penalties for more serious offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Massachusetts to cover autism-related benefits for dependents of policyholders, regardless of the dependent's age. It mandates that various types of health plans, including group policies, hospital service agreements, and health maintenance contracts, must include these specific coverage provisions. The legislation also updates the legal definition of an "eligible dependent" to ensure that children with autism spectrum disorders remain covered by their parents' insurance plans even after turning twenty-six. These changes apply to policies delivered, issued, or renewed within the state, with exceptions for stand-alone dental services and government programs like Medicare.