Maddy summaryHD 756 establishes a 15-member commission to study risks from onshore electrical infrastructure supporting offshore wind projects in Massachusetts. The commission will examine potential financial, environmental, public health, and safety impacts - including risks from transmission lines, substations, hazardous material releases, water supply contamination, and cleanup costs - directly affecting cities and towns hosting this infrastructure. Key provisions require the commission to assess needs for state indemnification of municipalities, implement risk assessments, and develop emergency response plans. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature every six months, with public hearings held in host communities. This bill does not enact new laws but mandates a study to inform future policy.
Rep. Steve Xiarhos
Sponsored bills
By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. relative to lithium battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to establish buffer zones for battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Maddy summaryHD 2017 amends a section of Massachusetts law governing credit card fees by removing a specific provision (subsection (a)(2)). This change modifies the existing legal framework that previously allowed or regulated how businesses could charge customers for using credit cards. The bill directly affects merchants who process credit card payments, as it alters the rules around whether they can add surcharges. The key mechanism is a technical deletion of a specific legal subsection, not a new policy. This is a procedural adjustment to the law, not a broad change in merchant fee rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses to clearly disclose credit card surcharges to customers. Specifically, it mandates that sellers post a visible sign and include the surcharge amount on every receipt, showing how it relates to their cost of accepting credit cards. The law directly affects merchants who charge extra for credit card payments instead of cash or check. It aims to increase transparency by making surcharge details readily available at the point of sale. The requirement applies to all sales transactions involving credit card use.
Maddy summaryHD 2057 requires businesses to clearly disclose credit card surcharges to customers. Specifically, sellers must display a visible sign at their location and include the surcharge amount and its connection to their credit card processing costs on every receipt. This applies to any transaction where a customer chooses to pay by credit card instead of cash or check. The bill directly affects retailers and service providers that charge such fees. It mandates transparent disclosure but does not change the fees themselves or their legality.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 690) of Brendan P. Crighton, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer. Financial Services.
By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 325) of David Biele and others relative to the sale of alcoholic beverages at certain venues. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated fund called the Bourne Bridge Replacement Fund to finance the bridge's replacement. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will manage the fund, which can receive state appropriations, private donations, federal funds, and interest earnings. It specifically transfers $200 million from the Education and Transportation Fund to this new account by July 2025. Money in the fund cannot be returned to the general state budget at year-end, ensuring dedicated funding for the bridge project. The bill directly affects MassDOT's budgeting for the bridge replacement and the state's handling of transportation funding.
By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1669) of Peter J. Durant, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Joseph D. McKenna, Steven George Xiarhos and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to post-traumatic stress disorder in law enforcement officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.