By Representatives Cutler of Pembroke and Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Josh S. Cutler and Dylan A. Fernandes that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development be authorized to establish a four-day work week pilot program. Labor and Workforce Development.
Senate, January 16, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill providing consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals (Senate, No. 2476),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2550).
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program in Massachusetts to help recycle leftover household paint by requiring manufacturers or nonprofit groups to create a plan for collecting unused paint. The law defines specific terms like "architectural paint" and "collection site" to clarify which products and locations are covered under the new rules. Manufacturers must submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Protection that details how they will collect, store, and recycle discarded paint while following environmentally sound practices. Retailers and consumers are directly affected as the program creates a formal system for accepting postconsumer paint at designated locations. The legislation focuses on setting up the framework for paint stewardship rather than mandating immediate participation or disposal methods.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program to reduce packaging waste in Massachusetts by requiring large producers to register with the state and pay fees to fund recycling efforts. Companies selling products in the state with annual sales over $100,000 must join a designated organization that creates a plan to collect and recycle their packaging materials. The law defines specific types of packaging and printed paper that must be recovered while excluding items already subject to deposit laws. A newly created advisory board will oversee the implementation of these rules and guide the development of recycling plans.
Senate, October 19, 2023 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 147) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Josh S. Cutler and Daniel M. Donahue for legislation to provide consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2476).
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program in Massachusetts to help commercial fishermen develop and buy fishing equipment that reduces harm to juvenile fish and protected species like the Northern Right Whale. The Division of Marine Fisheries will manage the program, which requires applicants to be Massachusetts-based fishermen or local research institutions and may ask for matching funds or partnerships with scientific groups. The program also allows the state to own any new inventions created with the grants while ensuring they remain accessible to eligible users. To pay for the initiative, the state may issue up to 30-year bonds funded by the General Fund.
