Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws governing planning boards and subdivision control to regulate how land is divided and developed. It primarily affects municipalities, regional governments, developers, and homeowners by changing requirements for creating new lots and securing public infrastructure. The legislation allows the creation of up to three new lots per division, increases a specific time limit from twenty-one to thirty days, and mandates that developers secure roadways and municipal services through bonds, deposits, or covenants that cover inflation and labor costs. Additionally, it requires developers to inform future property owners about existing easements and restrictions before transferring land titles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public buildings in Massachusetts that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled on or after January 1, 2026, to include at least one universal changing station. The law defines these stations as enclosed restroom facilities accessible to people of any sex and designed for individuals of any age who need help with diapering. It expands the definition of public accommodations to include public parks and rest stops, ensuring these spaces also comply with the new requirement. The Architectural Access Board is tasked with creating specific rules to enforce this mandate by January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Massachusetts residents with disabilities or their caregivers afford necessary home modifications. Eligible individuals with incomes at or below 120% of the area median income can receive up to 50% of the cost for approved changes, with a maximum grant of $5,000. The program covers specific improvements like zero-step entrances, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and medical equipment backups, provided the work meets established accessibility standards. Applicants must submit proof of completed renovations, such as invoices and before-and-after photos, to receive funding. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission will oversee the program guidelines in consultation with the relevant department.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect the privacy of lottery winners by preventing their names, addresses, and identifying information from being treated as public records. It requires the state lottery commission to stop publicly disclosing winner details and prohibits forcing winners to perform public acts, such as appearing at ceremonies, if they submit a written request to opt out. The legislation also mandates that the commission inform all claimants in writing about their right to refuse public disclosure and public appearances. Directly affecting lottery players, the measure ensures that individuals can claim prizes without their personal information becoming accessible to the general public.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an agricultural healthy incentives program in Massachusetts that directly affects Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The program would allow these individuals to receive a matching benefit on their EBT cards when they purchase fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruits and vegetables at participating vendors. The Department of Transitional Assistance, in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Public Health, would operate the program and set specific spending limits. This initiative aims to encourage healthier food choices among low-income families by providing financial incentives for buying produce.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program in Massachusetts that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits when recipients buy fruits and vegetables. The Department of Transitional Assistance will run this initiative alongside the Departments of Agricultural Resources and Public Health to encourage healthier food choices among SNAP users. A dedicated state fund will be established to finance these matching benefits through various sources, including federal grants and private donations. The program specifically applies to purchases at participating vendors and covers fresh, canned, dried, or frozen produce.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly define "doxing" as the unauthorized sharing of personal information intended to cause fear or harm, thereby creating a specific legal right against it. It establishes a new cause of action allowing victims to sue for damages, including up to three times the amount if the doxing was motivated by bias against race, gender, or other protected characteristics. The legislation clarifies that personal identifying information includes details like home addresses, phone numbers, and financial records, while also providing exceptions for reporting crimes or addressing unlawful conduct by public officials.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3343) of Steven S. Howitt and Angelo L. D'Emilia relative to exempting certain antique cars from the annual vehicle safety inspection program. Transportation.