Rep. Natalie Higgins

Maddy summaryHD 1735 imposes a tax on large real estate investment firms (defined as entities managing $10 million or more in assets) that own more residential properties (1-4 units) than allowed under phased ownership limits. The tax equals $10 million multiplied by the number of excess properties, calculated annually based on a declining percentage of their 2023 holdings over nine years. Revenue from this tax funds a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing residential properties, administered through the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund. The bill directly affects large investment firms managing significant residential portfolios, requiring them to reduce holdings or pay the tax, while excluding nonprofit organizations and affordable housing from its scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 713) protects vulnerable adults by requiring physicians to confirm informed consent before performing sterilizations on individuals aged 18+ in institutions or under guardianship (Chapter 112 amendment). It also expands Medicaid coverage for voluntary female sterilization, mandating that coverage be provided even without the federal 30-day waiting period if patients complete "Decision Counseling" and sign an informed written consent (Chapter 118E amendment). The law directly affects healthcare providers, Medicaid recipients, and individuals under guardianship or in state institutions. Key mechanisms include the consent requirement for sterilizations and the Medicaid coverage rule tied to counseling and written consent. The bill focuses on ensuring patient autonomy and access to covered reproductive services.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how property taxes are assessed for certain reserved areas in condominium developments. If a developer (declarant) reserves the right to add or remove property in the master deed, the tax on that reserved portion can be calculated based on the land value before the condo was created, minus any later improvements taxed to the developer. The tax lien attaches to the reserved right itself, not the common areas. When the reserved right expires, the tax lien transfers to new condo units created after the assessment (but not to units already separately taxed that year), and any extended reserved rights must be recorded before being taxed.

Maddy summaryHD 3259 amends Massachusetts' Taxpayer Protection Act to clarify and strengthen oversight of government contracts with private companies. It defines "privatization contract" as agreements for services valued at $500,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation), excluding certain IT contracts with union agreements and professional service agreements. The bill requires agencies to cover increased costs for residents if privatized services become more expensive, bans revenue-based payments (like tuition sharing), and mandates state auditor reviews before renewing such contracts. This directly affects Massachusetts government agencies, school districts, transportation authorities, and private contractors providing services valued above the threshold.

Maddy summaryHD 1883 prohibits state-regulated gas and electric utilities from charging customers for specific expenses through their utility rates. It bans companies from recovering costs related to political advertising, lobbying, trade association memberships, charitable donations, executive travel, or promotional campaigns that encourage service use. Utilities must submit annual reports detailing these prohibited expenses and face penalties - including customer refunds with interest - if they improperly charge rates. This directly affects utility customers by preventing them from paying for these non-essential corporate activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3954) allows Massachusetts property assessors to legally enter land and water on a property (excluding buildings) to collect data for tax valuation, after providing reasonable notice. It specifically permits this entry without it being considered trespassing, provided assessors follow Department of Revenue rules and nationally recognized appraisal standards. The law clarifies that assessors remain liable for any damage caused during such entry. This directly affects property owners in Massachusetts by changing the process for how tax valuations are conducted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new standards for school libraries across Massachusetts public, charter, private day, residential, and collaborative schools. It requires the state education department to adopt guidelines from the American Association of School Librarians and the Massachusetts School Library Association that ensure libraries are staffed by certified librarians, provide equitable access to resources, and support personalized learning. The standards mandate well-rounded book collections, information literacy instruction for all students, and integration of learning technologies into the curriculum. Additionally, the bill directs the department to conduct regular studies on library program implementation and report findings to the legislature every three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to vocational-technical education in Massachusetts by requiring middle and junior high schools to create specific access policies that ensure all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities, receive information about career and technical training opportunities. Key provisions mandate that vocational schools allow middle school students to tour their facilities during the school day with transportation costs covered by the hosting school, and that schools provide contact information for students to receive program details via mail and email. The legislation also establishes a new oversight authority with specialized members to guide vocational education planning and updates state committees to include representatives from vocational education organizations. Additionally, the bill requires districts to annually submit and implement these access policies while providing technical support to schools seeking to expand vocational programs that meet local labor market needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public and charter schools to provide all K-8 students with at least 30 minutes of daily supervised outdoor recess when weather permits, or indoor physical activity if needed. Schools cannot reduce recess time due to curriculum changes or withhold it for academic work, individualized education plans, or completing classroom tasks. Exceptions apply to shortened school days (e.g., delayed openings) and field trip days.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new workplace safety standards to protect workers from extreme heat and cold. It requires employers to provide paid rest breaks, free cool drinking water (under 75°F), adequate shade or warmth, and training for supervisors and staff when temperatures reach defined thresholds (80°F+ for heat, 60°F- for cold). The law specifically covers all workers - including farmworkers, day laborers, part-time staff, and temporary employees - regardless of immigration status, and mandates acclimatization plans for new workers during their first week on the job. Employers must implement engineering controls (like ventilation) and administrative controls (such as adjusted work schedules) to reduce temperature-related risks.