Rep. Shirley Arriaga

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age of criminal majority in Massachusetts from 18 to 21, meaning individuals aged 18 and 19 would no longer be treated as adults within the criminal justice system. The legislation updates various state laws to replace the specific age of 18 with the term "criminal majority," ensuring consistency across different legal contexts. By extending juvenile protections to 21-year-olds, the measure aims to provide better outcomes for young adults and promote public safety.

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3272) of Natalie M. Blais and others for legislation to increase regional transit accessibility. Transportation.

By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4533) of Shirley B. Arriaga and Jacob R. Oliveira (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the terms of the office of mayor in the city of Chicopee. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Secretary of the State to create a single set of forms for all mail-in voting, eliminating the current distinction between early voting ballots and ballots cast by absent voters. By mandating that applications, instructions, ballot styles, and envelopes be identical regardless of the voting method, the legislation aims to streamline the mail-in voting process for all eligible residents. The change ensures that every voter receives the same materials whether they vote early or on election day, simplifying the administrative handling of mail ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide housing goal to build 427,000 new units in Massachusetts by 2040, with specific targets for affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. It requires the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to submit annual reports detailing progress on these goals, including data on market-rate units, accessibility features, senior housing, foreign property purchases, and short-term rentals. Additionally, the bill adds a definition for "bus station" to clarify that it refers to a building with walls and a foundation at the intersection of bus lines, excluding simple shelters.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a program that helps families, youth, and adults avoid becoming homeless by providing cash assistance and services. It allows individuals at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off to receive aid even before they have received official legal notices, using certified statements from landlords or utility companies to verify their financial struggles. The program specifically targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with at least half of the funds reserved for those living at or below 30% of that income. Eligible recipients include families with children under 21, seniors, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and the financial aid is limited to covering actual unpaid rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to give tenants a first right of refusal when their rental property is being sold due to foreclosure. It applies specifically to multi-family rental buildings and excludes small owner-occupied homes or temporary shelters. Under the new rules, landlords must notify tenants and a designated nonprofit group before selling the property, allowing these parties to match the highest offer made by outside buyers. The law also defines specific terms like "affiliate" and "designee" to clarify who can participate in the purchase process.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the oversight of apprenticeships in Massachusetts by formally establishing the Department of Apprenticeship Standards and creating a new Apprenticeship Council. The Council will consist of 12 members, including representatives from labor and management sectors, who will meet quarterly to help shape apprenticeship policies. Under the new rules, the director of the department will have expanded authority to set training standards, approve programs, and enforce sanctions against non-compliant apprenticeship agreements. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the director's role in maintaining records and collaborating with educational authorities to ensure apprentices meet established standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study and review Massachusetts condominium laws, directly affecting current and future condominium owners, property managers, and community associations. The seven-member committee will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Governor, and must include specific experts such as a condominium law attorney representing unit owners, a current unit owner, and a certified property manager. Over the course of its work, the commission will hold public hearings to investigate issues like board meeting procedures, fee increases, financial audits, and dispute resolution processes before submitting a report with recommendations for new regulations by January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to fund the development of mixed-income social housing, directly affecting local and regional housing authorities and residents seeking affordable homes. It authorizes the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority to issue $100 million in taxable bonds to establish a revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance for these projects. The legislation mandates that funded developments maintain public ownership, include a significant portion of below-market rent units for at least 99 years, and meet strict energy efficiency standards by excluding new gas hookups. Additionally, the program gives priority to projects that do not rely on existing Low Income Housing Tax Credits or tax-exempt volume caps.