Maddy summaryH 5032 requires that for public construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding $10 million in cost, contractors and subcontractors must ensure at least 15% of labor hours for each trade are performed by registered apprentices. This applies to all public works projects (like schools or roads) and directly affects construction companies bidding on such projects. Contractors must use apprentice programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies can exempt specific trades only after proving no qualified bidders with apprenticeship programs are available, with strict documentation requirements. The bill does not apply to projects under $10 million or exempt entire projects unless documented per trade.
Rep. Patrick Kearney
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 859) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish a public health option. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summaryHD 433 modifies Massachusetts' unemployment insurance rules for overpayments. It limits deductions from future benefits to 10% of the weekly rate for recipients not at fault, sets a 3-year deadline for recovery in such cases, and expands waiver eligibility for people on public assistance (like SNAP or TAFDC) or facing financial hardship. The bill also requires a 60-day waiting period before collections begin and clarifies when overpayments must be waived due to department errors or specific hardship situations (e.g., pandemic-era payment mistakes). It directly affects unemployment benefit recipients who received overpayments through no fault of their own.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secretary of Labor to analyze economic harm to commercial fishermen caused by regulatory actions like area closures, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures (including lobster closures for right whale protection). It requires developing a mitigation plan, potentially modifying unemployment insurance to address this specific financial instability. The plan, including any legislative recommendations, must be submitted to both legislative chambers by April 1, 2026. The bill directly affects commercial fishing participants in the Commonwealth facing income disruption due to state or federal regulations.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1554) of John F. Keenan and James B. Eldridge for legislation to provide counseling about lung cancer screening to individuals accessing the Massachusetts Quitline. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents local zoning rules from banning or restricting land used for agricultural fairs operated by nonprofit organizations. It specifically protects properties owned and managed by such nonprofits for their fair-related activities, ensuring zoning laws cannot interfere with these events. The law applies only to nonprofit corporations whose primary purpose is organizing agricultural fairs. This change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
Maddy summaryHD 1993 allows Massachusetts towns with representative or open town meetings to hold meetings remotely or in hybrid format (part in-person, part remote) under specific conditions. Town moderators (or select boards if no moderator exists) must consult with officials, confirm ADA compliance, and provide clear notice detailing the platform and meeting rules before implementing remote participation. Eligible voters must request remote access 48 hours in advance, and the remote platform must verify voter eligibility, enable clear audio for all participants, allow real-time recognition requests, and record the meeting for public access for 90 days. The bill directly affects towns, voters, and town officials by establishing concrete technical and procedural requirements for remote town meetings.
Maddy summaryH 4974 requires contractors working on public construction projects costing over $10 million to hire registered apprentices, phasing in minimum apprentice-hour requirements: 5% after one year, 10% after three years, and 15% after four years. It mandates that contractors maintain approved apprentice training programs and register apprentices with the state, while allowing limited waivers for specific trades if qualified bidders aren't available. The bill also establishes a new commission to study apprenticeship programs and expands a high school career pathway program for building/transportation careers. These requirements apply to all public works projects, contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies involved in qualifying construction contracts.
Maddy summaryH 4994 requires public agencies to mandate that contractors for public construction projects exceeding $10 million in cost must include registered apprentices in their workforce. Specifically, it sets increasing minimums: starting at 5% of total hours for each trade in 2026, rising to 10% in 2027, and 15% by 2028, all performed by apprentices in programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards. Contractors must register apprentices with this division and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies may grant limited exemptions for specific trades if no qualified bidder with an apprentice program is available, but must document and report these exemptions. The bill directly affects public agencies, construction contractors, and subcontractors working on large public projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per 30-day supply for all patients, regardless of insulin type or quantity needed. It directly affects insulin users, drug manufacturers, and insurers by requiring them to limit patient costs. Drug companies must offer free 30-day insulin supplies to eligible individuals urgently needing insulin (with less than a 7-day supply) who meet income limits (≤400% federal poverty level) and lack private drug coverage. The law also mandates manufacturers to establish accessible application processes for this assistance program within 14 days.