Rep. Mike Finn

Maddy summaryHD 2016 adds 5 points to the test scores of veterans seeking educator certification in Massachusetts. Specifically, it requires that any veteran (as defined by state law) who takes a required test for provisional educator or advanced provisional educator certification receives these 5 additional points added to their scaled score. This adjustment applies directly to veterans applying for teaching licenses through the state's certification process. The bill changes the scoring mechanism for these specific tests but does not alter the required testing standards or create new certification pathways.

By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 261) of Jay D. Livingstone, Michael J. Finn and others relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of West Springfield to issue four new licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be taken off-premises (not consumed on-site) to specific businesses at their current locations: Calabrese Market (54 Park Street), Delaney's Market (334 Park Street), KKK&P LLC (The Country Store, 1022 Amostown Road), and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe (68 North Boulevard). One of these licenses (for The Country Store) requires surrendering an existing wine license first. The licenses are permanently tied to the specified locations and cannot be transferred to new sites, though they may be reused at the same location if returned to the town within three years. The bill took effect upon enactment on December 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4808) changes rules for debt collection by allowing debt collectors or creditors to accept postdated checks or similar payment instruments, but with specific protections for debtors. It requires creditors to provide written notice 3-10 business days before depositing any check postdated more than five days. The bill prohibits threatening criminal prosecution for postdated payments and bans depositing checks before the date written on them. These provisions directly affect debtors (people who owe money) and debt collectors/creditors in Massachusetts. The law aims to prevent abusive collection tactics while permitting flexible payment options under clear, time-bound rules.

Maddy summaryHD 1897 sets rules for debt collectors accepting postdated checks. It allows collectors to accept postdated checks but prohibits accepting checks postdated more than five days without giving written notice 3-10 days before deposit. The bill also bans threatening criminal prosecution for postdated checks and forbids depositing checks before their stated date. These rules directly affect debt collectors/creditors (as defined in Chapter 93) and the people they collect debts from.

Maddy summaryHD 1918 establishes a licensing requirement for individuals who appraise vehicle damage for insurance claims in Massachusetts. To become licensed, applicants must pass a written exam, pay a $100 fee, and meet age (18+), character, and education/work experience standards. Licensed appraisers must include their license number on all damage reports, cannot refuse to prepare reports, and must renew licenses biannually with another $100 fee. The law also outlines penalties for unlicensed work or misconduct, including license revocation for fraud or negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed stores from using automated or self-checkout systems for selling alcohol. It requires all in-store alcohol sales to occur through face-to-face transactions between customers and either the store owner or an employee aged 18 or older. The law directly affects licensed retailers (like liquor stores) that currently offer self-checkout for alcohol. The key change mandates in-person sales to prevent potential underage access or illegal transactions through automated systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for peer-to-peer car sharing in Massachusetts, defining key terms like "shared vehicle owner" (the car owner using a platform) and "shared vehicle driver" (the renter). It requires peer-to-peer platforms to assume liability for bodily injury and property damage during the sharing period, with minimum insurance coverage matching standard auto insurance requirements (sections 34A-34R of Chapter 90). Platforms must ensure all parties (owners, drivers, or themselves) maintain primary insurance that covers sharing use without exclusions, and they must cover claims if insurance lapses or disputes arise over vehicle control or return locations. The law specifically excludes traditional rental companies from these rules and clarifies that platforms cannot shift liability to other insurers before their coverage applies.

Maddy summaryHD 391 establishes a 11-member commission to study rent stabilization in Massachusetts, not to implement it. The commission, including tenant advocates, landlords, housing experts, and municipal officials, will examine rent impacts in cities like Boston and Cambridge, review other states' models, and analyze economic effects on tenants and landlords. It will hold public hearings and gather data on rental trends and housing supply. The commission must submit a final report to the governor and legislature by December 2026, outlining findings and recommendations. This bill creates a study process only; it does not enact rent stabilization laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). It prohibits weaponizing drones or using them to photograph, videotape, or surveil people in places where they expect privacy without their knowledge and consent, or to surveil critical infrastructure facilities (like power plants, water treatment sites, or refineries) without permission. Violations for weaponizing drones carry penalties of 3-20 years in prison or fines up to $50,000. Using drones for unauthorized surveillance of people or infrastructure can result in up to 2.5 years in jail or fines up to $5,000. The law directly affects drone operators who violate these specific restrictions.