Rep. Justin Thurber

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Swansea to issue up to six additional licenses for on-premises alcohol sales (under Section 12 of Chapter 138) exclusively within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area, as defined in the town's zoning map. It restricts these licenses to eligible establishments in that specific zone, prohibits transferring them for five years, and requires applicants to prove tax compliance with the Department of Revenue and Division of Unemployment Assistance. The licenses remain subject to all standard state regulations under Chapter 138, except as modified by this bill. This directly affects Swansea businesses seeking new alcohol licenses in the designated redevelopment zone.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Somerset to grant one additional license for selling wine and malt beverages to be consumed off-premises at a specific location (2756 County Street). It overrides the town's usual limit on such licenses under Chapter 138 of the General Laws. The license must meet the town's requirements, cannot be moved to another location, and can only be reissued to a new owner at the same address if they provide proof of tax compliance. The license remains subject to all other rules in Chapter 138, including conditions set by the licensing authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts public schools from requiring student athletes on single-sex sports teams (girls' or boys' teams, not co-ed) to compete against opposing teams with athletes of the opposite sex. It also bans schools from penalizing students who refuse such matches or coaches who forfeit matches under these circumstances. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and athletic associations like the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cannot penalize schools, coaches, or athletes for forfeiting these matches, though forfeits may be recorded as losses. The law directly affects student athletes, coaches, and athletic organizations in public high schools and middle schools.