Rep. David DeCoste

Maddy summaryThis bill permits bow hunting for deer in Wompatuck State Park, overriding a previous restriction that prohibited it. It directly affects bow hunters seeking to hunt deer within the park's boundaries. The key provision allows the Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioner to create specific rules and regulations governing this hunting activity. The law changes existing park management rules to explicitly allow this type of hunting.

Maddy summaryHD 3943 would repeal Section 13 of Chapter 6C, removing the legal authority for the Department of Transportation to collect tolls on specific roads or bridges. This bill directly affects the Department of Transportation, which would lose the power to charge tolls, and drivers who currently pay those tolls on affected routes. The key mechanism is the outright repeal of the toll-collection provision, eliminating the requirement for toll payments. If enacted, tolls would be removed from the roads covered by this section without requiring new legislation for each toll location.

Maddy summaryHD 978 amends state law to expand eligibility for a parks pass waiver from only Purple Heart recipients to all veterans. Currently, the waiver applies exclusively to Purple Heart recipients under Chapter 132A Section 2D, but this bill would add "a veteran" to the qualifying categories. As a result, any veteran meeting the state's definition would qualify for the waiver, including those without a Purple Heart. The bill does not alter the existing waiver for Purple Heart recipients but broadens coverage to include all veterans.

Maddy summaryHD 3282 establishes a deer population control commission to address deer-related issues in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Berkshire, Hampden, Worcester, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties. The commission, composed of six appointed members (including legislative leaders, hunting groups, agriculture and wildlife departments, and insurance representatives), will identify effective deer management practices and methods to help farmers prevent property damage. It must submit its findings and draft legislation to state lawmakers by March 1, 2024, to implement recommended solutions. This bill directly affects deer management strategies and agricultural property protection in the specified counties.

Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2573) of John F. Keenan (by vote of the town) to amend the charter of the town of Rockland, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2716).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most individuals and businesses selling used cars at auctions to obtain a license, with exceptions for car manufacturers and financiers who only occasionally sell used vehicles. It also imposes a $50 fee on buyers purchasing vehicles with out-of-state titles at Massachusetts auctions, collected by the auctioneer and paid monthly to the Department of Professional Licensure. The fee applies specifically to vehicles whose title is assigned from outside Massachusetts. This directly affects auto auction operators, used car sellers, and buyers purchasing out-of-state titled vehicles within Massachusetts. All used vehicle sales must now be reported weekly to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

By Representatives DeCoste of Norwell and Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 217) of David F. DeCoste, Joseph D. McKenna and Colleen M. Garry relative to providing resources and support for pregnant and parenting families. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Section 3A of Chapter 40A in the General Laws, which previously governed certain requirements for communities receiving MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) funding. The repeal removes a specific provision related to how these communities must coordinate with the MBTA. It directly affects municipalities that receive MBTA financial support, eliminating this particular administrative requirement. The bill makes a technical change to state law without creating new policies or altering funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing law to allow MBTA communities to count housing units built within the past three years toward their compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. It requires state housing guidelines to include criteria for considering these recently completed units when determining if a community meets its housing requirements. The change directly affects municipalities located near MBTA transit lines that must comply with state housing mandates. This provision retroactively includes qualifying housing construction completed up to three years before the law's effective date in compliance calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents cities and towns from losing public safety grant funding if they don't comply with certain requirements in Chapter 40A. It specifically adds a provision stating that eligibility for grants - like the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program - cannot be withheld based on compliance with Section 3A of Chapter 40A. The change directly affects all municipalities receiving public safety-related grants under current law. It ensures funding remains accessible regardless of adherence to the specific provisions being amended.