Rep. Steve Xiarhos

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 753) increases penalties for assault and battery against specific protected groups while they are performing their duties. It directly affects healthcare personnel (like nurses), school staff (teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, psychologists), school event officials (referees), and police dogs. The law adds new provisions to criminal penalties, making it a felony to assault these individuals during work hours, with punishments including up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill targets violence against essential workers in healthcare and education settings, aiming to strengthen legal protections for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal collisions where the driver flees without providing details, penalties now include up to one year in jail or a $500-$1,000 fine (previously only a fine). For hit-and-runs resulting in death, penalties rise to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe). The law directly affects recreational vehicle operators who flee after causing injury or death, aiming to strengthen accountability for these specific offenses.

Maddy summaryHD 971 requires landlords to install free window guards in residential windows over 6 feet high when a tenant has children under 10 living in the unit. Landlords must provide these guards at no extra cost to the tenant, with exceptions for windows used as fire escape access (which must be removable). Tenants cannot remove the guards except for emergency egress during fires or hazardous material incidents. Landlords who discriminate against tenants based on this requirement face fines between $250 and $500. The law directly affects landlords in units with young children and ensures safety measures without impacting rental agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Sandwich's town charter by replacing the elected town clerk position with an appointed role. The current elected clerk becomes the first appointed clerk for the remainder of their term, after which future appointments will follow the standard process for department heads. The bill abolishes the elected position entirely upon its effective date, requiring all subsequent town clerks to be appointed rather than elected. This affects Sandwich's local governance structure specifically for the town clerk role.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to update certification and training standards for sexual assault counselors in Massachusetts. The task force, including state officials, advocacy groups, and survivor representatives, will study specific changes like training hours, certification levels, fees, and whether to establish licensure for rape crisis centers. It will focus on updating definitions, curriculum requirements, and feasibility of continuing education credits. The task force must submit its recommendations, including proposed legislation, to state lawmakers within one year. This directly affects sexual assault counselors, rape crisis centers, and their employees and volunteers by aiming to improve professional standards.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos and others for legislation to establish penalties for racing on public ways and unlawful motor vehicle competitions. The Judiciary.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer. The Judiciary.

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1168) of Joan B. Lovely, Peter J. Durant, Todd M. Smola, David T. Vieira and other members of the General Court for legislation to set rates for transcripts of notes and fees taken at a trial or hearing by a transcriber. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific fees for court transcripts in Massachusetts. It establishes rates of $4.50 per page for original transcripts (reduced to $0.15 per page for low-income individuals) and $1.50 per page for copies, with higher "rush" fees of $6.75 and $2.25. The bill also requires annual fee adjustments starting in 2030 based on the Consumer Price Index. These fees apply when parties request transcripts, while court-ordered transcripts (e.g., by a judge or district attorney in criminal cases) are paid by the court. The law directly affects individuals, attorneys, and courts involved in legal proceedings requiring transcript copies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that donate food to nonprofits serving the needy, and provides liability protection for donors and recipients. Businesses can claim a non-refundable tax credit equal to the fair market value of donated food (capped at $25,000 annually), provided the food is distributed without charge or at minimal cost to cover handling. It also shields donors and nonprofit food distributors from civil liability for injuries related to donated food (including expired "open-dated" food), unless the food was adulterated or donated under gross negligence. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a certification from the nonprofit confirming the food was distributed per the bill’s requirements.