Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment system for streaming entertainment companies using public rights-of-way in Massachusetts. It requires companies earning over $250,000 annually in the state to pay an assessment based on their gross revenues, with rates set annually by a new advisory board. The collected funds aim to maintain previous revenue levels for community media facilities (PEG access facilities), which provide public, educational, and government programming. The bill directly affects streaming operators, not end-users, and establishes a structured process for collecting payments while prohibiting rate regulation of these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and districts to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during school hours and school activities to reduce distractions and support learning. The state education department must provide a model policy including secure device storage options, methods for parents to contact students during the day (including emergencies), and enforcement rules that prevent unfair discipline. Schools must file their adopted policies annually by September 1, with exceptions for students with disabilities, health accommodations, or emergencies. The policy must not lead to student expulsion or suspension solely for device use violations.

Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 157) changes who pays brokerage fees in rental agreements. It requires that fees charged by licensed real estate brokers or salespeople must be paid only by the landlord or tenant who directly hired them to arrange the lease. The law prevents landlords from passing these fees onto tenants through the lease contract, or tenants from being charged by brokers they didn't personally engage. This directly affects landlords, tenants, and brokers involved in residential rental transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts drivers and dealers to use electronic signatures for motor vehicle title and registration documents, such as title transfers and registration forms. It specifically permits electronic signatures on physical odometer documents (like title certificates) when scanned or imaged, requiring identity verification and secure record retention. The state registrar must accept these signatures both digitally and via printed copies, while ensuring documents remain linked to their original electronic records. The law does not create new electronic titles (which follow federal rules) but streamlines existing paper-based processes. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHD 2854 modernizes Massachusetts vehicle titling and registration by enabling electronic cross-state services. It authorizes the state to create reciprocal electronic programs with other states, allowing residents who buy vehicles in another state to register them electronically in Massachusetts. The bill also removes transaction volume limits for dealers in the electronic program and updates security interest processes, requiring lienholders to release interests within 10 days and enabling electronic title transfers for dealers who pay electronically. These changes directly affect Massachusetts residents, vehicle dealers, and lenders involved in vehicle transactions. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHD 3108 restricts students in public school districts from using mobile devices (including cellphones, smart watches, and tablets) during school hours, with exceptions for safety emergencies, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), English learner needs, or medical requirements. School districts must create written policies allowing device use only in these specific situations or for other reasonable exceptions that don’t disrupt learning. The state education department will develop model policies and a grant program to help schools purchase equipment like secure storage containers for devices. The bill requires school districts to implement these policies within 180 days of the law taking effect.

By Representatives Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 86) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian, David T. Vieira and others relative to regulation of location information derived from electronic devices. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

By Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Kearney of Scituate a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2578) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Patrick Joseph Kearney (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to sidewalks in the town of Scituate. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all licensed child care programs and public schools in Massachusetts to undergo regular radon testing. The Department of Public Health must create public regulations within one year covering testing schedules, acceptable radon levels, documentation, and mitigation plans for unsafe levels. These regulations will apply to all facilities under the Department of Early Education and Care's licensing. The bill does not specify funding but requires the department to develop the rules using existing appropriations.