By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 933) of Mindy Domb relative to plastic bag reduction. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 658) changes how unemployment benefits are calculated for workers with irregular schedules. It modifies the law to use wages from the two highest quarters (instead of just the single highest quarter) when determining benefit amounts. If using this two-quarter method makes a worker ineligible for benefits, the bill ensures they receive a minimum payment equal to 1/26th of their total wages reported in those two quarters. This directly affects hourly or part-time workers whose earnings vary significantly between pay periods.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 638) requires restaurants and food trucks to use compostable, recyclable, or reusable single-use food service containers starting January 1, 2027. It defines "compostable" to mean products meeting specific ASTM standards with third-party certification, "recyclable" to mean materials identifiable by resin codes in local recycling programs, and "reusable" to mean items used multiple times (like returnable glass or aluminum). The law directly affects all food establishments that prepare or package food for immediate consumption. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Environmental Protection through regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools (including public, charter, and non-public) and child care centers serving pre-K through 12th grade to annually test every drinking water outlet for lead. If lead levels exceed one part per billion, schools must immediately shut off affected outlets, install certified point-of-use filters within 18 months, replace water fountains with filtered stations (one per 75 students), and maintain ongoing testing. Schools must also publicly report test results, remediation plans, and notify parents and staff of any elevated lead findings. The law directly affects all K-12 schools and child care centers in the state, mandating concrete actions to ensure safe drinking water.
Maddy summaryHD 2592 requires retailers to stop providing single-use plastic carryout bags, instead offering only recycled paper bags (charged at minimum 10 cents each) or reusable bags. It also restricts disposable food service ware (like plates and cups) unless customers specifically request it, and bans black plastic for these items. The law exempts small businesses (under 4,000 sq ft, 10 employees, 10,000 bags/year), pharmacies, food charities, and certain state agency uses. Retailers must send 5 cents per recycled paper bag sold to a dedicated environmental fund, while prohibiting small plastic containers for alcohol (≤100ml) and small plastic water bottles (≤1 liter) for non-emergency use.
Maddy summaryHD 3369 establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund to finance projects that help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts. It requires fossil fuel companies and entities that extracted coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts between 1995 and 2024 to pay into the fund based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. Payments will support concrete adaptation projects like upgrading stormwater systems, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and protecting communities from extreme weather. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - neighborhoods with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to ensure equitable access to climate resilience efforts.
Maddy summaryHD 2792 prohibits food establishments and retail stores in Massachusetts from using, selling, or distributing polystyrene containers and packaging starting one year after the law takes effect. It specifically bans foam and rigid polystyrene for disposable food service ware (like takeout containers), meat/fish trays, packing materials (including peanuts), and certain products like coolers or pool toys. The law exempts personal use of polystyrene bought outside Massachusetts, prepared food packaged elsewhere without repackaging, and allows up to six months of temporary relief for businesses facing undue hardship. This directly affects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and food trucks operating within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally exonerates individuals falsely accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts during the 1600s, clearing their historical records. It acknowledges the injustice of past accusations without altering current laws or affecting living people. The bill addresses historical events, not contemporary policy, and serves as a symbolic act of recognition for those wrongfully accused centuries ago.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts transportation planning to align with climate goals by mandating that regional transportation plans and projects meet greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets. It establishes a process for assessing emissions and VMT impacts of transportation projects, including requiring mitigation measures like transit expansions, active transportation infrastructure, or land-use changes to offset emissions. The Department of Transportation must publish these assessments online and ensure mitigation efforts are localized to affected communities or underserved areas. The bill directly affects metropolitan planning organizations, state agencies, and project developers by making compliance with emissions and VMT targets a condition for approving transportation plans and projects.
Maddy summaryHD 3431 requires the MBTA to create a new commuter rail fare structure aimed at boosting ridership, primarily affecting residents in transit-oriented areas and hybrid workers. Key provisions include a $10 all-inclusive weekday fare (currently only for weekends/holidays), one-way fares capped at three times the subway fare, monthly passes for 3-day commuters, multi-ride discounts, simplified pricing, and offsetting fare cuts with higher parking fees. The MBTA must submit fare recommendations within 12 months and implement pilot programs within 24 months to test these changes. The bill focuses on concrete fare adjustments to make commuter rail more accessible and affordable.
