Rep. Russell Holmes

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the state's Division of Developmental Services to cover medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21 and older with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. The legislation specifically mandates coverage for applied behavior analysis and various augmentative and alternative communication devices, such as tablets, when deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist. By expanding these insurance benefits, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with these conditions have access to essential care that helps develop, maintain, or restore their functioning.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a livable wage specifically for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from state agencies such as the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Housing and Community Development. The legislation defines these workers as staff who provide treatment, support, or services to clients and their families, while defining the organizations as those with funded human services programs. By amending Chapter 6A of the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework to ensure these essential workers are paid a wage deemed sufficient to meet basic living needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the city of Boston the authority to allow residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local municipal elections, even though they are not yet eligible to vote in state or federal elections. Under the proposed law, these younger residents would register on a separate list using a special form and cast ballots only for city offices and local ballot questions. Once a resident turns 18, they would be removed from this separate list and required to register as a standard voter to participate in all elections. The bill explicitly states that this new voting right does not extend to state or federal offices or statewide ballot measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts election laws to streamline how vacant municipal and state offices are filled. It mandates that special elections for these positions must be held on the same day as the next scheduled general municipal or state election, unless the vacancy happens less than 60 days before that date. In cases where a vacancy occurs within the 60-day window, the office remains open without a special election until the next regular election cycle. The legislation also clarifies the roles of the governor and other officials in issuing election orders and making temporary appointments when necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law regarding the costs and terminology for obtaining transcripts of court proceedings. It changes the term "stenographer" to "transcriber" and allows parties to request either written notes or audio recordings instead of just handwritten notes. The legislation also adjusts specific fees, such as increasing the cost for additional copies and rush delivery, while removing references to "additional paper" and "at the same time." These changes aim to modernize the rules for accessing legal records and reflect current pricing for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how court transcribers charge for copies of trial notes and audio recordings. It sets specific fees for standard, rush, and electronic copies, while also establishing a lower rate for indigent individuals or their legal representatives. The legislation clarifies that when a judge or prosecutor orders a transcript, the court's administrative office will pay for it. Additionally, it requires that any police statements transcribed by a judge be shared with all parties involved in the case.

By Representative Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3028) of Dylan A. Fernandes and others relative to the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. [Corrected] State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course. The law ensures that all students have the opportunity to take this class within their four-year high school experience. The course must include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and follow standards set by the state's education board. These requirements will begin to apply to the school year starting after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas companies, utility corporations, and transmission line companies to provide written notice to property owners at least 14 days before starting ground-digging or construction projects. The notification must specify the time and expected duration of the work and must be sent to owners whose real estate is located within 100 feet of the construction site. By amending existing state laws, the legislation ensures that residents in affected areas receive advance warning about upcoming utility installations or repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary halt on approving new natural gas infrastructure projects in Massachusetts until at least 2026. It directly affects utility companies and local governments by prohibiting the construction of new facilities or expansions of existing ones, with the sole exception being projects deemed necessary for public safety. The legislation also prevents towns without current gas service from digging up streets to build new gas lines. By amending existing state laws, the bill aims to pause the development of oil, natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen distribution systems during this period.