Rep. Manny Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Salem to convert an existing annual license for selling wine and malt beverages to a license allowing the sale of all alcoholic beverages on the premises for Flying Saucer Pizza Company. The conversion is subject to specific rules, including a prohibition on transferring the license to a different location and requirements that the business maintain good standing with state revenue and unemployment departments. The legislation also establishes a fee for this conversion, with any amount collected above the standard renewal fee directed to the city's economic development account.

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care employers in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. To achieve this, facilities must conduct annual risk assessments in cooperation with employees and labor unions to identify specific dangers, such as working in public areas or guarding property. The legislation defines workplace violence to include unpermitted touching, attempts to use physical force, or threatening behavior that causes fear of future harm. These measures apply to a wide range of settings, including hospitals and state correctional facilities, while explicitly excluding certain outpatient services like clinics and dialysis centers.

By Representative Cruz of Salem and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Manny Cruz and Joan B. Lovely (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Salem be authorized to employ automated enforcement of speed limit violations in designated school zones within said city. Transportation. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies in Massachusetts, such as ride-share and food delivery drivers. It mandates that these workers be presumed to be employees of their companies, granting them the same wage, hour, and benefit rights as other workers in the state. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations to ensure these companies provide safe and reliable services while remaining accountable to consumers and the community.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes new protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies, such as ride-share and food delivery apps. The law presumes these workers are employees rather than independent contractors, granting them the same wage, hour, and anti-discrimination rights as other workers in the state. Key provisions require companies to pay a minimum hourly rate for all time spent waiting for or completing assigned tasks, including travel to the first job and time between deliveries. Additionally, the bill mandates that companies provide safe, reliable, and affordable services while holding them accountable to the public and their workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases excise taxes on specific goods in Massachusetts to generate revenue for climate change adaptation and affordable housing. The additional funds collected are directed into three separate trust funds: one for climate resilience projects, another for affordable housing development, and a third for preserving existing housing. The legislation also mandates that climate-related investments prioritize communities facing environmental justice challenges. By adjusting tax rates and specifying fund allocations, the bill aims to secure dedicated resources for infrastructure and housing needs without changing the underlying tax structure itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to voluntarily implement a fee on real estate transfers to generate revenue specifically for affordable housing. Under the new provisions, settlement agents would collect this fee based on the sale price of a property and remit the funds to local or regional affordable housing commissions. The collected money must be used exclusively for adaptive reuse, production, or preservation of affordable housing projects that serve low- and moderate-income households. Local communities that choose to adopt this option would gain a dedicated funding source to support their specific housing needs without state mandates.

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2894) of Samantha Montaño and others for legislation to increase the deeds excise to fund emergency assistance needs of certain low income tenants and homeowners. Revenue.

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2747) of Mike Connolly and others for legislation to support affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions. Revenue.