Rep. Russell Holmes

Maddy summaryHD 1740 allows cities and towns to impose local tax surcharges on existing tax types (like sales, property, or vehicle taxes) specifically for transportation projects, but only after voter approval. Municipalities must hold a ballot question explaining the tax rate, purpose, and project details, requiring majority voter support to take effect. Regional districts of two or more towns can form to pool funds for shared transportation projects under a district agreement, with each municipality potentially setting its own surcharge rate. All surcharge revenue must be used exclusively for transportation projects (e.g., roads, transit, bike paths) and must include a sunset date in the ballot question.

By Representative Walsh of Peabody and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas P. Walsh and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to authorize electrocardiogram screenings prior to participation in interscholastic athletic competitions. Financial Services.

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1117) of Cindy F. Friedman, Michael J. Barrett, Russell E. Holmes, John F. Keenan and others for legislation relative to treatment, not incarceration. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public stadiums, sports centers, gymnasiums, and similar facilities hosting sporting events to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site during all events. It also mandates that at least one trained employee or volunteer (having completed certified CPR and AED training) be present during events, with clear signage showing AED locations. The requirement excludes school-sponsored athletic events held in school gyms. Facilities must follow established guidelines for AED placement, training, and public announcements to identify trained personnel if needed.

Maddy summaryH 4997 modifies Massachusetts criminal sentencing rules for accomplices involved in specific assault cases. It changes the law so that when the underlying crime is a violation of Chapter 265, Section 1 (assault), accomplices can be punished either as the main offender or with a prison term. This directly affects individuals charged as accomplices in assault offenses under Chapter 265. The bill clarifies sentencing options without altering the definition of the crime itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how murder charges apply to deaths occurring during other serious crimes. It removes the automatic "first-degree murder" classification for such deaths, requiring instead that prosecutors prove "deliberately premeditated malice aforethought, extreme atrocity or cruelty" to charge someone with first-degree murder. Otherwise, defendants face a 15-year minimum to life prison sentence for the underlying crime. The law applies retroactively, affecting people already convicted of murder related to felonies before the bill's effective date. It directly impacts individuals charged with murder during crimes like robbery or burglary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts property registry districts to review property titles for discriminatory restrictive covenants (such as those based on race) that violate anti-discrimination laws. If a covenant is found to be void under Section 23B of Chapter 184, the registry must automatically remove it from the title and add a memorandum repudiating the clause to educate property owners about its discriminatory history. For mixed or ambiguous cases, registries must file a court complaint to amend titles. Registry districts must also report annually on amended titles to the Office of Fair Housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the service of Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, including pilots, support personnel, and others who "changed the course of history." The public is recommended to observe the day appropriately. This is a ceremonial designation with no new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHD 2465 requires Massachusetts state prisons and county facilities to provide incarcerated people with at least eight hours of daily "out of cell" time for social interaction and activities, including at least six hours weekly of group programming like education and vocational training (with three hours eligible for good conduct credits). It mandates personalized rehabilitation plans for each person, involving input from staff and the individual, and requires facilities to send parole-eligible plans to the parole board for review. The bill also sets minimum standards for access to medical care, outdoor recreation, libraries, and facilities conditions (like temperature and water quality), and requires annual data collection on programming access and outcomes, reported by race, gender, and other demographics. This law directly affects all individuals held in Massachusetts correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryHD 3241 requires Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to maximize in-person visitation for incarcerated individuals by mandating specific schedules: at least two daily visiting periods (one at least four hours long), an eight-hour weekend visit, and a four-hour holiday visit. It prohibits facilities from limiting visitor numbers, excluding visitors based on criminal history, community involvement, or religious practices, or restricting physical contact like hugging during visits. The bill also mandates accommodations for children (with designated areas and activities), reasonable dress code policies respecting cultural/religious needs, and written justifications with appeal options for any visitation restrictions. Facilities must ensure visitation does not decrease below 2025 baseline levels and must exhaust all means to meet the schedule.