Maddy summaryHD 659 modernizes Massachusetts' competitive electricity market by requiring energy suppliers to implement faster customer switching (within 3 business days) and adopt a single bill format showing both energy and distribution charges. It directly affects energy marketers, distributors, and residential/small commercial customers by mandating licensing, $5 million bonds for suppliers, and standardized training for sales staff. Key provisions include streamlined billing for customers moving within a service area, third-party verification for in-person sales, and requirements for suppliers to pay distribution companies directly based on customer payments. The bill aims to simplify the market structure and improve transparency without changing energy production or pricing mechanisms.
Rep. Patrick Kearney
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to address air pollution in communities disproportionately affected by outdoor air pollution. It creates a technical advisory committee to identify pollution "hotspots" near highways, industrial areas, and transportation hubs, and mandates new air monitoring for pollutants like black carbon and ultrafine particles. By 2030, the state must reduce pollution levels in these hotspots by 50% compared to 2026 baselines, with a 75% reduction target by 2035. The bill also requires high-efficiency air filtration systems in specific buildings within 200 meters of pollution sources - including public housing, schools, colleges, and large commercial buildings - to improve indoor air quality for residents and workers.
Maddy summaryHD 2959 requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create regulations mandating routine radon testing in all licensed child care programs and public schools. The regulations, to be finalized within one year of the bill's enactment, will establish testing schedules, documentation requirements, acceptable radon levels, and plans for reducing high levels. These rules must be made publicly available. The requirement applies only if funding is appropriated by the state.
Maddy summaryHD 1371 creates a new six-member "Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations" within Massachusetts' Department of Labor. The board, appointed by the governor, includes a safety inspector (chair), a public utility worker, a construction contractor, a safety trainer, an OSHA expert, and a union representative with five years' experience. This board will establish licensing rules for hoisting machinery operators, including training requirements, supervision protocols for apprentices, and procedures for license issuance, renewal, denial, or revocation based on safety violations. The bill directly affects apprentice and operator license holders and the safety training industry.
By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4106) of Leigh Davis and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to establish a farm-to-institution pilot program. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill would remove the sales tax currently applied to boats built or rebuilt within Massachusetts by local craftsmen. It directly affects boat manufacturers and rebuilders operating in the Commonwealth who pay this tax on their locally produced vessels. The key provision amends Chapter 64H of Massachusetts tax law to exempt these in-state built/rebuilt boats from sales tax. This is a concrete policy change that would reduce costs for Massachusetts-based boat builders.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens confidentiality for taxpayer information by preventing public disclosure of identities and records examined by the treasurer's office. It specifically prohibits sharing such information through standard public records requests and exempts it from being classified as public records under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect upon the governor's signature and applies to all taxpayer information handled after that date. Taxpayers whose financial details are reviewed by the treasurer's office are directly affected by this protection.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Massachusetts Foreclosure Prevention Program requiring creditors to offer supervised conferences before proceeding with foreclosure on primary residence mortgages. It directly affects homeowners facing foreclosure (including those at risk of default) and their creditors, such as banks or mortgage servicers. The key mechanism mandates that creditors engage in good faith efforts to find alternatives to foreclosure - like modified payments - through a conference process facilitated by trained monitors (e.g., retired judges or housing experts). The program requires creditors to notify a state administrator when sending foreclosure notices, provides borrowers 30 days to request a conference, and issues a "certificate of compliance" if creditors follow the process. This creates a structured, pre-foreclosure step to help homeowners retain their homes while reducing creditor losses.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's (MHFA) performance on affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, will assess MHFA's work over the past five years and recommend improvements. The commission must begin its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to both legislative chambers within one year. The bill does not change housing programs but establishes a formal process for evaluating MHFA's effectiveness in targeted communities.
By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 326) of David Biele and others relative to pipefitting licensure. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.