Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to reduce the use of plastic bags by defining specific terms for retailers and bags. It creates a legal definition for a "reusable bag" as one made of durable materials like cloth or hemp with stitched handles, while also defining standards for "recycled paper bags" that must contain a minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled material. The legislation applies to a wide range of retail establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, food trucks, and institutional cafeterias, by setting the stage for future regulations on bag usage and materials. By amending the state's General Laws, the bill provides the framework for the Department of Environmental Protection to implement specific rules regarding plastic bag reduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to establish a new framework for managing packaging waste and recycling costs. It creates a comprehensive list of definitions for terms such as "covered entities," which include residents, schools, and small businesses, and "covered materials," which encompass all packaging sold in the state. The legislation sets up a process where the Department of Environmental Protection must approve alternative collection programs run by producers and requires a statewide needs assessment to evaluate recycling infrastructure and costs. By clarifying these terms and procedures, the bill aims to provide a clearer legal basis for reducing waste and recycling expenses across the commonwealth.

Senate, October 10, 2023 -- The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 913) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to archaic laws; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 951) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to petit treason; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1109) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to repeal the criminalization of blasphemy; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1469) of Kate Donaghue, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to the repeal or reform of certain archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1640) of Jay D. Livingstone, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for legislation to repeal certain archaic laws and to establish a permanent law revision commission (including members of the General Court) to examine common laws and statutes; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1811) of Tommy Vitolo and Sal N. DiDomenico relative to petit treason, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2457).

Senate, January 16, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to archaic laws (Senate, No. 2457),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2551).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home inspectors to inform buyers and renters about potential pyrite or pyrrhotite issues in concrete foundations. It also mandates that anyone seeking a license to mine or produce concrete aggregate must submit a geological report and test results for these minerals. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to support the implementation of these new safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers injured on the job by requiring the state department to investigate all injury claims and hold conferences to gather evidence, regardless of whether a dispute is currently active. It also expands the legal remedies available to injured workers by allowing for punitive damages and injunctive relief in cases where employers violate specific safety regulations. Additionally, the legislation updates fee schedules and clarifies the types of damages that can be recovered when workers file complaints against employers for failing to meet safety standards.

By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3015) of Carol A. Doherty and others that the website of the Secretary of the Commonwealth contain the total amount of income tax paid by residents of the Commonwealth to the federal government and the percent of those dollars appropriated for certain discretionary spending. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program in Massachusetts to help commercial fishermen develop and buy fishing equipment that reduces harm to juvenile fish and protected species like the Northern Right Whale. The Division of Marine Fisheries will manage the program, which requires applicants to be Massachusetts-based fishermen or local research institutions and may ask for matching funds or partnerships with scientific groups. The program also allows the state to own any new inventions created with the grants while ensuring they remain accessible to eligible users. To pay for the initiative, the state may issue up to 30-year bonds funded by the General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework to increase the number of personal care homes available for older adults in Massachusetts who need assistance with daily living but do not require full long-term care facility services. It establishes specific licensing requirements and definitions to ensure these homes provide safe, humane, and supportive environments for up to six non-related residents. The legislation authorizes the Department of Elder Affairs to issue two-year licenses to responsible sponsors and to create separate regulations that protect the health and wellbeing of residents.