Rep. Manny Cruz

Maddy summaryHD 4608 authorizes the city of Salem to ban the use of second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides (a specific type of rat poison) within its city limits. The bill allows Salem to pass an ordinance prohibiting these rodenticides, including their application by licensed commercial pest control services. It removes existing legal barriers that might prevent such a ban under current law. The city of Salem and commercial pest control companies operating within Salem would be directly affected by this authorization, and the measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 640) of Mark C. Montigny, John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summarySD 1398 expands protections for domestic animals by defining "cruel conditions" to include exposure to waste, lack of food/water, or inadequate weather protection, and explicitly includes livestock under "domestic animal." It imposes tiered fines for violations: up to $50 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, with possible animal impoundment or loss of ownership for repeat violations. The bill affects owners or keepers of all domestic animals, including livestock, by establishing clearer standards for animal care. Fines collected under this law must be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1579) of Liz Miranda and Manny Cruz for legislation to eliminate barriers and expand abortion access for patients under the age of 16. Public Health.

By Mr. Kennedy (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 85) of Kevin Gilnack, Bruce E. Tarr and Manny Cruz for legislation to enable private donations to the cannabis social equity trust fund. Cannabis Policy.

Maddy summaryHD 2271 establishes a dedicated "Comprehensive and Inclusive Curriculum Trust Fund" managed by the education commissioner to support inclusive curriculum development in all public schools. The fund finances curriculum updates, teacher training, and grants for schools, prioritizing underserved communities and districts affected by bias incidents. It requires schools to teach accurate histories and contributions of underrepresented groups across subjects, including topics like slavery, immigration, and systemic discrimination. All funded initiatives must align with the curriculum standards, and the commissioner must report annually on fund usage to state legislators.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve transition planning for youth with disabilities as they leave high school or turn 22. It requires the Transitional Advisory Committee to submit annual county-level reports tracking youth needing habilitative services, residential placement, or agency support. A new commission, including youth/family members and agency representatives, must develop a comprehensive plan within one year addressing communication gaps, service awareness, residential placement delays, and geographic equity in services. The plan will focus on ensuring smoother transitions to adult services for over 22,000 Massachusetts youth annually who lose special education eligibility.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates jurisdiction rules for National Park Service (NPS) properties in Massachusetts. It adds "waters" to the definition of covered areas (previously only "lands") and creates a new clause (m) covering all NPS lands, waters, and buildings acquired, leased, or controlled after the law takes effect. The key mechanism requires the NPS Director to file a notice of acceptance with the governor and state secretary to transfer concurrent jurisdiction to the U.S. government for these properties. This clarifies federal authority over NPS properties without changing existing state-federal relationships for older holdings.

Maddy summaryHD 3369 establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund to finance projects that help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts. It requires fossil fuel companies and entities that extracted coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts between 1995 and 2024 to pay into the fund based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. Payments will support concrete adaptation projects like upgrading stormwater systems, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and protecting communities from extreme weather. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - neighborhoods with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to ensure equitable access to climate resilience efforts.