Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for the Massachusetts unemployment insurance program to ensure employers receive timely notice of upcoming public hearings. It requires the department to hold at least one public hearing each quarter and mandates that notices be posted online and sent electronically to a specific list of business organizations and all employers with department accounts at least 20 days in advance. Additionally, the law is amended to guarantee that individuals seeking unemployment benefits have the opportunity for direct interaction with division staff. These changes aim to improve communication and participation in the administration of the state's unemployment assistance system.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay wages to United States Coast Guard members who live in the state during a federal government shutdown. The funds for these payments would come from an account recommended by the Governor and approved by the state's Ways and Means committees. Once the federal shutdown ends, the state intends to seek reimbursement from the federal government for all costs incurred under this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate how creditors and debt collectors handle consumer debts, explicitly excluding residential mortgages and common housing fees from its scope. It establishes clear definitions for key terms such as debt buyers, debt collectors, and consumer form contracts to ensure consistency in enforcement. By defining what constitutes exempt property and earnings, the legislation aims to provide specific protections against wage garnishment and asset seizure for individuals. The act seeks to standardize debt collection practices by clarifying the legal boundaries between legitimate collection efforts and prohibited actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every school district in Massachusetts to create and submit an annual literacy strategic plan that outlines how they will teach reading using scientifically proven methods. The law mandates that these plans cover professional training for teachers, the selection of approved reading curricula, and support systems for parents to help their children learn to read. Districts must use programs from a state-approved list, and those with low reading test scores will be required to include their literacy plans in broader long-term improvement strategies. Additionally, the state department of education will develop resources to help districts train staff and will convene a group of experts to recommend ways to spread best practices across the educator workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to explicitly include the title "governor's councillor" in official ballot descriptions. By adding this specific phrase to two existing sections of the state's election code, the legislation ensures that the role is clearly identified for voters. The change is purely textual and does not alter the duties of the office or the election process itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of billboards to advertise non-prescription marijuana in Massachusetts. It amends existing state laws to separate billboard restrictions from rules governing other media like television and radio, which still require that at least 85 percent of the audience be 21 or older. The legislation also mandates that any remaining outdoor advertisements must be conspicuous and restricts access to such advertising spaces to individuals aged 21 and older. These changes directly affect cannabis businesses and media companies by limiting where they can legally place advertisements for recreational marijuana.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum reimbursement rate that insurance companies must pay to claimants for labor on first- or third-party auto insurance claims in Massachusetts. The new rate is calculated by adjusting the 1988 Insurance Reform Act rate for inflation and will be implemented gradually over two years before being updated annually based on the Consumer Price Index. While the law sets a floor for payments, it allows for higher reimbursements if specific criteria regarding vehicle type, labor expertise, and training are met.