Maddy summaryHD 2978, "An Act promoting fair and affordable housing," prohibits Massachusetts local and state government entities from engaging in discriminatory housing practices. It specifically bans actions that limit housing for families with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income, families needing larger units (like those with more than two bedrooms), or based on protected characteristics including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or familial status. The bill allows individuals or the Attorney General to sue for violations within three years, seeking court orders, damages, and legal fees, while clarifying that governments can defend actions by proving a strong, non-discriminatory reason. It directly affects housing decisions by cities, towns, and state agencies regarding permits, funding, and regulations.
Rep. Patrick Kearney
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill bans the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops regulated under 330 CMR 12.00, directly affecting most pet shop operators in Massachusetts. It allows exceptions for pet shops partnering with animal rescues (without owning the animals) and permits existing shops meeting specific conditions - like unchanged ownership and prior sales history - to continue selling these animals. Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense and possible license suspension. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not override local town/city regulations on animal sales.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1920) of John C. Velis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane and other members of the General Court for legislation to correct inequities regarding the retirement of state-employed and special authority-employed police officers. Public Service.
Maddy summaryHD 3456 creates new support for family caregivers in Massachusetts. It establishes an advisory council to develop policy recommendations and reports on caregiving needs, and provides two concrete financial supports: (1) a respite services voucher covering up to $1,500 annually for caregivers with household income under $250,000 (adjusting yearly for inflation), and (2) a refundable tax credit covering up to $1,500 for eligible caregiving expenses like home modifications, equipment, hiring help, or respite care. The bill directly affects Massachusetts residents caring for eligible family members (18+ needing assistance with daily tasks like bathing or dressing) who meet income thresholds. Key provisions include income limits, expense categories, and annual reporting requirements for both programs.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1921) of John C. Velis, Simon Cataldo, Sean Garballey, Vanna Howard and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to retirement equity for parenting teachers. Public Service.
Maddy summaryHD 2194 establishes a special commission to study how electronic textbooks impact students in Massachusetts colleges and universities, focusing on costs, access, and consumer choice. The commission will examine specific issues like restrictions on resale and sharing, single-user access models, and how institutional incentives affect student options. It will include 12 members representing students, libraries, faculty, the textbook industry, and financial aid offices. The commission must complete its study and submit recommendations to lawmakers within 18 months. This resolution aims to inform future policy on textbook affordability without changing current laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow funeral establishments to scatter unclaimed cremated remains at sea after 12 months if unclaimed by next-of-kin. It directly affects funeral homes managing unclaimed remains by adding sea scattering as a permitted disposal method, alongside existing options like cemetery interment or designated cemetery scattering. The key change is modifying Section 43M of Chapter 114 to explicitly include "scattered at sea" in the list of allowable actions for unclaimed remains. The bill makes no changes to eligibility or requirements for scattering but expands disposal options for funeral providers.
Maddy summaryHD 3883 creates a task force to study public ownership of natural gas and electricity utilities in Massachusetts. The task force, including utility committee chairs, environmental groups, labor unions, and municipal representatives, will examine how state, municipal, or cooperative ownership could compare to private utilities, study Nebraska's public ownership model, and analyze key issues like infrastructure costs, renewable energy transitions, and equitable rates. It must submit recommendations to the legislature by January 2027, including a proposed bill for public ownership of gas and electricity services. The bill itself does not implement public ownership but sets the process for studying it. This is a procedural study bill focused on gathering information for future legislative action.
Maddy summaryHD 1590, the CLEAN Act, increases the deposit on beverage containers from 1 cent to 3 cents. It redefines "beverage container" to exclude biodegradable materials and clarifies that a "miniature" is any container under 100ml designed for alcohol. The bill also prohibits local governments from banning miniature sales (though existing bans remain valid), affecting beverage producers, retailers, and municipal regulations. Key changes focus on container definitions, deposit amounts, and local ordinance authority.
Maddy summaryHD 252 prevents homeowner associations and similar property groups from imposing unreasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. It voids any rules that forbid or unreasonably restrict solar installations, requiring associations to review requests within 60 days and explain any denials. Unreasonable restrictions include cost increases over 10% or $1,000, efficiency losses over 10%, or substantial interference with sunlight access. Homeowners can sue for violations and recover legal fees if they win. The bill directly affects homeowners in communities governed by associations that control property use.