Rep. Richard Wells

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment system for streaming entertainment companies using public rights-of-way in Massachusetts. It requires companies earning over $250,000 annually in the state to pay an assessment based on their gross revenues, with rates set annually by a new advisory board. The collected funds aim to maintain previous revenue levels for community media facilities (PEG access facilities), which provide public, educational, and government programming. The bill directly affects streaming operators, not end-users, and establishes a structured process for collecting payments while prohibiting rate regulation of these services.

Maddy summaryH 4746 establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive consumer data privacy law, directly affecting businesses operating in the state that collect personal data ("controllers"). The law requires businesses to obtain clear "affirmative consent" from Massachusetts residents before collecting or selling their personal data, prohibiting manipulative "dark patterns" and ensuring consent requests are transparent, specific, and accessible. Key provisions include strict definitions for data types (like biometric data), rules for "contextual advertising" that doesn't track individuals, and requirements for businesses to honor consumer rights to access, delete, or opt out of data processing. The law applies to all businesses serving Massachusetts residents, with specific protections for children's data and health/wellness information.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Matt's Law," requires correctional institution superintendents to secure all exercise equipment to prevent inmate removal. It specifically prohibits inmates in medium- or maximum-security facilities from accessing free weights. The law mandates that all exercise equipment must be secured to avoid being taken from the facility. These requirements apply directly to correctional institutions and their administrative staff managing inmate exercise areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 157) changes who pays brokerage fees in rental agreements. It requires that fees charged by licensed real estate brokers or salespeople must be paid only by the landlord or tenant who directly hired them to arrange the lease. The law prevents landlords from passing these fees onto tenants through the lease contract, or tenants from being charged by brokers they didn't personally engage. This directly affects landlords, tenants, and brokers involved in residential rental transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public school districts to implement a "pouch system" that restricts student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day. Schools must store devices in lockable pouches upon student arrival, with staff unlocking pouches only at day's end or when authorized for specific educational purposes. Each district must create and annually submit a written policy for department review, including minimum requirements for device storage and authorized use. The policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff across Massachusetts public schools.

Maddy summaryHD 1916 requires Massachusetts public schools to include specific content about Native American culture and history in their curriculum. The bill mandates that educational standards cover five key areas: the history and current issues of Massachusetts tribes (like Wampanoag and Nipmuc), historic tribal connections to the state (such as the Wabanaki Confederacy), national Native American history, tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, and contemporary issues facing Native Americans in Massachusetts. School boards must consult with the Commonwealth's established relationship with Native American tribes - defined by treaties, laws, and executive orders - when developing these standards. This policy change directly affects all public school students and educators in Massachusetts by setting new curriculum requirements for teaching Native American heritage.

By Representatives Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 86) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian, David T. Vieira and others relative to regulation of location information derived from electronic devices. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's (MHFA) performance on affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, will assess MHFA's work over the past five years and recommend improvements. The commission must begin its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to both legislative chambers within one year. The bill does not change housing programs but establishes a formal process for evaluating MHFA's effectiveness in targeted communities.

By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 326) of David Biele and others relative to pipefitting licensure. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Colby's Law," requires all BMX and motocross tracks operating in Massachusetts to register with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and obtain annual permits after safety inspections. It mandates specific safety measures, including proper track grading, spectator barriers, on-site medical equipment (like AEDs), certified medical personnel during events, and mandatory protective gear (helmets meeting safety standards, plus pads for motocross riders). The law also requires operators to maintain liability insurance, conduct safety briefings for new participants, and implement special safety rules for riders under 18, including parental consent and speed limits. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000, and the state must run public safety awareness campaigns.