Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education law to allow recovery high schools to be treated as regional schools specifically for the purpose of calculating transportation reimbursement funds. The change directly affects students with substance use disorders who attend these specialized recovery programs, potentially enabling them to receive state funding for travel costs similar to those in other regional schools. The provision includes a condition that the additional funds must be available through state appropriation. By reclassifying these schools for funding calculations only, the legislation aims to support the logistical needs of youth participating in recovery-focused education without altering the schools' primary status or curriculum.
Rep. David DeCoste
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts such as circuses and carnivals across Massachusetts. It specifically bans these animals from participating in performances where they are transported in mobile facilities like trucks or trailers for the purpose of entertainment. The law applies to individuals and businesses but explicitly excludes animals housed at permanent, non-mobile institutions that do not transport the animals for the event. Violations of this new chapter can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal involved, and enforcement is assigned to state and local law enforcement officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how people falsely claim to have service animals. The commission will consist of fifteen members, including officials from the state judiciary, police, disability offices, and advocacy groups for both service animals and other types of pets. Its primary task is to study the issue of misrepresentation and make recommendations on how to address it.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify definitions regarding service animals and establish a formal process for verifying their legitimate status. It creates a new section in the state's general laws to define terms like "service dog" and "service-dog-in-training" based on federal standards, while explicitly protecting business owners from misrepresentation. A key provision requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop and distribute a verification decal for businesses to display in their windows or doors. This decal will be created in collaboration with national service dog organizations, restaurant owner associations, and business owner associations to help identify legitimate service animals.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling animal acts, circuses, and similar mobile performances within Massachusetts. It directly affects owners and operators of traveling exhibits by banning the participation of these specific animals in events where they are transported between locations for entertainment purposes. The law includes an exemption for permanent institutions like zoos, provided the animals are not moved specifically for the traveling act. Violations of this new rule can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each animal involved.
By Representative Straus of Mattapoisett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3436) of William M. Straus relative to exempting certain antique cars from the annual vehicle safety inspection program. Transportation.
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3343) of Steven S. Howitt and Angelo L. D'Emilia relative to exempting certain antique cars from the annual vehicle safety inspection program. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new drought management task force within the state office to coordinate responses to water shortages. The task force will include representatives from various state agencies, professional organizations, and public health experts who will meet regularly to assess conditions and recommend drought levels. Based on the severity of the drought, the secretary of environmental protection can order uniform water conservation measures, such as limiting nonessential outdoor water use, which local cities and towns must enforce.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers working on large private construction projects in Massachusetts to publicly display specific compliance information at their job sites. It applies to residential developments with more than 10 units or commercial projects larger than 5,000 square feet that cost over $750,000. Under the new rules, employers must post a certificate showing they are registered and current on contributions, a notice with worker's compensation details, and a detailed log tracking who enters and leaves the site. Contractors and subcontractors must also provide these records to the Attorney General upon request for inspection.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal shield for farmers in Massachusetts who are affected by PFAS contamination in their soil, water, or crops. It grants immunity from lawsuits and civil liability to individuals or entities engaged in farming for any damages resulting from these chemical contaminants. The primary mechanism is the amendment of state law to prevent farmers from being sued by third parties when PFAS exposure occurs on their land.