Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2206) of Patrick Joseph Kearney for legislation to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea. Public Health.

By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly authorize libraries to purchase and license electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects a wide range of library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, by legally defining these digital formats and the companies that provide them. The legislation clarifies that "publishers" include both traditional book sellers and digital aggregators who license collections to libraries. By updating Chapter 78 of the General Laws, the bill removes potential legal barriers that might have prevented libraries from acquiring modern digital reading materials.

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2930) of David M. Rogers and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to establishing a tax for online advertising. Revenue.

By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2761) of Marjorie C. Decker, Andres X. Vargas and others relative to establishing a child and family tax credit. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts open meeting laws to protect the privacy of construction bidders during the public agency selection process. It requires agencies to create rules preventing one bidder from seeing or hearing interviews with other competitors for the same contract, whether the meetings happen in person or online. Additionally, the law mandates that any written or video records from these interviews remain confidential until every bidder has finished their presentation. These changes aim to ensure fair competition by preventing bidders from gaining an advantage through early knowledge of others' proposals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to allow public bodies and town meetings to be held remotely or in hybrid formats while ensuring all participants can hear one another clearly. It mandates that these meetings remain open to the public and provides for remote voting by members, preventing them from being counted as absent. To maintain transparency, the legislation requires that the public have access to deliberations through live streaming or, if live access is not possible due to financial constraints, by posting a full transcript or recording on the organization's website. The bill also clarifies that remote participation must be offered without any fees or charges to the public.

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2731) of Tackey Chan and others relative to tax exemptions for home office expenses. Revenue.

By Representative Driscoll of Milton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3025) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., and others relative to remote access for public bodies and town meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.