Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryHD 229 bans billboard advertisements for non-prescription marijuana in Massachusetts. It specifically prohibits billboard marketing (new subsection 2a) while maintaining the existing rule that other media (TV, radio, internet, print) can only advertise if at least 85% of the audience is 21+ or access is restricted to those 21+ (updated subsection 2b). The bill directly affects marijuana businesses that use advertising, particularly eliminating billboard placements. The key change replaces the audience composition requirement for online ads with a simpler "entry restricted to 21+" rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities in Massachusetts. Beginning in 2026, veterans with a VA-certified disability of 30% or higher qualify for annual tax exemptions: $2,500 for 30-49% disability, $5,000 for 50-69%, and full exemption for 70% or higher. Surviving spouses who live in the home and don't remarry can continue the exemption, and veterans killed in service automatically qualify. The exemption requires annual reapplication and applies only to the primary residence, with proration if occupancy changes during the year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to pay the salaries of U.S. Coast Guard members who live in the state during a federal government shutdown, when federal pay would otherwise stop. It directly affects Massachusetts-resident Coast Guard members who would otherwise face income loss during shutdowns. The state will cover these payments using funds recommended by the Governor, with the Commonwealth seeking full reimbursement from the federal government once the shutdown ends. The law ensures these service members receive consistent pay without creating a permanent state expense.

Maddy summaryHD 2970 extends collective bargaining rights to all Massachusetts legislative staff, including committee members, clerks, HR personnel, and other general court employees. It defines "legislative employees" broadly to cover all such staff, while allowing exclusion of certain managerial or confidential roles (like top aides to legislative leaders) from bargaining units. The bill also updates conflict-of-interest rules to specifically address bargaining representatives under Chapter 150E. This policy change directly affects over 1,000 legislative employees across the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHD 2974 provides paid family and medical leave for educators employed by school districts or education collaboratives, and for municipal employees who choose to adopt the program. The bill requires the state (Commonwealth) to cover the employer's share of the cost for these groups by paying into a leave trust fund, rather than requiring local school districts or municipalities to fund it themselves. It also ensures that employees on leave maintain their health insurance coverage and accrue benefits like vacation time and seniority. This applies specifically to covered educators and municipal employees who opt into the program under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to study how electronic textbooks affect students and consumers in Massachusetts. The commission will examine pricing, resale options, contract clarity, and the impact of institutional incentives on student choices. It will include members from universities, student groups, the publishing industry, and government agencies, and must submit its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4038) defines "protected information" as data about individuals' political, religious, or social views, associations, or activities, and restricts Massachusetts law enforcement from collecting or sharing this data without specific justification. It requires criminal intelligence systems (like fusion centers) to conduct annual audits tracking data access, maintain detailed logs of protected information sharing, and destroy unreliable data every five years. Law enforcement must obtain written authorization to investigate based on protected information and can only share such data with other agencies after prior written approval. The bill directly affects Massachusetts residents by limiting how state agencies handle sensitive personal information related to beliefs and associations.

Maddy summaryHD 4221 requires Massachusetts law enforcement officers and court personnel to hold individuals for up to 36 hours when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provides a written request for detention, mandating that the person receive a copy of the request. It also directs judges to consider ICE detainer requests when setting or modifying bail for people in custody, specifically if ICE has a written request and an administrative warrant for removal exists. The bill directly affects individuals in state custody with active ICE requests, law enforcement officers, and judges handling bail hearings. Key provisions establish a 36-hour detention window for ICE transfers and require judges to factor ICE requests into bail decisions under Chapter 276.

Maddy summaryHD 237 establishes the "Massachusetts Private Flood Insurance Act," creating a framework for private flood insurance policies that operate alongside the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It directly affects Massachusetts private insurers and property owners by allowing insurers to offer two policy types: "standard" (matching NFIP coverage terms) and "nonstandard" (supplemental or broader coverage), with all policies clearly stating they are not NFIP policies. Key provisions require insurers to file rates and policy forms with the state Commissioner for tracking, prominently display deductibles/limits, and include NFIP availability information. The law aims to increase consumer choice while ensuring transparency and regulatory oversight for private flood insurance products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' health department to create a state plan within one year to improve care standards for people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including those with intersecting marginalized identities. It mandates forming an advisory committee of health officials, providers, patient advocates, and disability organizations to develop training requirements for healthcare professionals (like doctors and nurses) on diagnosis and treatment during routine care. The plan must include strategies for better assessment during primary care visits and coordinate with licensing boards to require this training for license renewals. These changes directly affect healthcare providers and aim to standardize care for patients with autism and IDD across the state.