Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 10th as Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and their families. The proclamation recommends public observance of the day to recognize their service and health impacts. The bill creates a formal, recurring state observance without imposing new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3074) caps annual property tax increases for qualifying senior homeowners in Massachusetts. It applies to Class One residential properties owned and occupied as a primary residence by residents aged 65+ who have lived in the state for 10 years and owned/occupied the property for 5 years. The cap limits annual tax increases to 2.5% (including special local tax overrides), preventing large yearly jumps. Local municipalities must approve the program through their selectmen, mayor, and city council before it applies to their residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public dashboard showing how residential energy bills are calculated, including detailed breakdowns of charges from gas and electric companies and explanations of each bill component. It requires energy companies to submit quarterly reports on rates, customer data, and clean energy program costs, and mandates the dashboard include analysis of benefits like reduced emissions, system reliability, and avoided energy costs. The bill also requires utilities to return 70% of certain clean energy payments directly to ratepayers through annual bill credits. These changes apply to Massachusetts residential electricity and gas customers and affect all energy companies operating in the state.

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1478) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to reduce the risks associated with allergic reactions by enhancing the availability of epi-pens. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "marine special activity license" program to regulate scientific research involving marine organisms. It directly affects researchers at universities, marine institutes, government agencies, and aquaculture facilities who study, collect, or restore sea life (like oysters or corals) for scientific or educational purposes. The license requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with species protection standards, submit detailed activity reports (including species, locations, and how organisms were handled), and provide data for replication or monitoring. Licenses are denied if proposed activities risk harming species or exceed established catch limits, with reviews considering biological status, gear impact, and location.

Maddy summaryHD 688 creates a task force to study how to fund assistance for homeowners struggling with crumbling foundations. The task force will examine costs of materials, geographic hotspots, inspection expenses, existing state funding models, and administrative costs. It must include housing officials, insurance representatives, property managers, and housing authority members, and submit recommendations by July 31, 2027. This bill directly affects homeowners in areas with foundation issues and aims to identify a sustainable funding source through a formal study process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to redefine "preservation" as protecting personal or real property from coastal threats like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge. It specifically includes measures such as building or repairing beaches, dunes, and seawalls to safeguard open spaces, historical sites, and community housing. The law change directly affects coastal communities by enabling these protective infrastructure projects under the "preservation" framework. This update modifies existing Chapter 44B definitions without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated Flood Mitigation and Preparedness Fund to provide grants and loans to Massachusetts communities and property owners. It directly affects communities participating in the federal flood insurance program and property owners with repeated flood damage (classified as "Severe Repetitive Losses" or "Repetitive Losses" under the National Flood Insurance Program), as well as vulnerable populations identified in state climate plans. Key provisions allow funding for specific flood mitigation projects like elevating buildings, installing flood vents, or wet/dry floodproofing, with requirements that projects reduce flood insurance premiums and comply with building codes. Communities must have approved hazard mitigation plans to access funds, and all projects require local code official review and final inspection documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Transportation to install and maintain historical markers on Route 3N and Route 3S designating Marshfield as the home of Senator Daniel Webster and Governor Edward Winslow. It declares the law an emergency to ensure immediate implementation for public convenience. The bill has no policy impact beyond commemoration and affects no current laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryHD 2792 prohibits food establishments and retail stores in Massachusetts from using, selling, or distributing polystyrene containers and packaging starting one year after the law takes effect. It specifically bans foam and rigid polystyrene for disposable food service ware (like takeout containers), meat/fish trays, packing materials (including peanuts), and certain products like coolers or pool toys. The law exempts personal use of polystyrene bought outside Massachusetts, prepared food packaged elsewhere without repackaging, and allows up to six months of temporary relief for businesses facing undue hardship. This directly affects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and food trucks operating within the state.