Rep. Donnie Berthiaume

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 625) amends Massachusetts law to require that applicants for the HomeBase housing assistance program must have resided in the Commonwealth for at least one year to qualify. It directly affects individuals seeking housing support through HomeBase, adding a new residency requirement to the existing eligibility criteria. The key provision inserts a specific one-year residency rule into the program's legal definition, changing who can apply. This is a concrete policy change to program eligibility under state law.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1834) of Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to retirement classification of licensed drinking water operators. Public Service.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1671) of Peter J. Durant, David F. DeCoste, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to repeal the firearms laws. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1675) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to further define sanctuary policies in the commonwealth. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1830) of Peter J. Durant and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. (by the vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Brookfield to continue employment of Herb Chaffee beyond the age of 65. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special sick leave fund for Eric J. Iwaniec, an employee of the Massachusetts Department, to cover absences related to his specific health condition. It allows other Department employees to voluntarily contribute unused sick, personal, or vacation days to this fund. If Eric leaves the Department or ends the fund, any remaining days transfer to the extended illness leave bank, and the fund can only be used for absences tied to his documented health need.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Matt's Law," requires correctional institution superintendents to secure all exercise equipment to prevent inmate removal. It specifically prohibits inmates in medium- or maximum-security facilities from accessing free weights. The law mandates that all exercise equipment must be secured to avoid being taken from the facility. These requirements apply directly to correctional institutions and their administrative staff managing inmate exercise areas.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 577) of Peter J. Durant, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., Christopher M. Markey, Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to the use of crossbows in hunting. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer and Senator Durant, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Kathleen Rodrigue, an employees of the Chief Medical Examiner's office. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to help Massachusetts homeowners repair or replace residential foundations damaged by minerals like pyrite or pyrrhotite. The fund, managed by the Secretary of Housing, provides direct financial assistance to affected homeowners, reimburses those who already paid for repairs (up to the fund's coverage limit), and minimizes financial strain on municipalities. Key provisions include tax exemptions on repaired foundations, annual reporting requirements, and a requirement for the Secretary to seek federal funding to support the program. A stakeholder working group must also develop long-term recommendations by 2026 on funding models and consumer protections. The bill directly affects homeowners with deteriorated foundations and local governments facing related costs.