Rep. Shirley Arriaga

Maddy summaryMassachusetts' HD 683 is a symbolic resolution supporting Washington, D.C. statehood. It states the Commonwealth opposes federal interference with D.C.'s local governance (like disapproving local laws or restricting tax revenue) and urges Congress to admit D.C. as a state. The resolution directly addresses the 700,000+ D.C. residents who lack voting representation in Congress despite paying federal taxes and serving in the military. It does not change laws but formally expresses Massachusetts' position on a long-standing issue.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2636) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman, Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly W. Pease, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish compact agreements between certain states allowing cosmetology licensees to move freely between member states. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals and outpatient surgical centers to use smoke evacuation systems during procedures generating surgical smoke (such as those using lasers or electrosurgery) to protect patients and healthcare workers from inhaling harmful particles. Facilities must adopt policies ensuring smoke evacuation by January 1, 2026, and report these policies to the Department of Public Health by April 1, 2026. Non-compliance will result in fines of at least $500 per violation. The law directly affects all licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities in the state.

Maddy summaryHD 530 establishes the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to allow licensed psychologists to provide services across state lines under specific conditions. It enables telepsychology (online sessions) and temporary in-person practice (up to 30 days per year) in states that have joined the compact, without requiring a separate license in the "distant state." The compact creates standardized processes for verifying licenses, sharing disciplinary records, and issuing temporary authorization certificates (like the "E.Passport" and "Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate"). This directly affects licensed psychologists seeking to serve clients in other compact states and expands public access to psychological services while maintaining state-level regulatory oversight for safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Massachusetts National Guard from being deployed into active combat without a formal declaration of war by the U.S. Congress. It directly affects the Massachusetts National Guard and its members, requiring that deployment into active combat (defined as armed conflict, hazardous foreign duty, or war-related duties) only occur after Congress formally declares war or takes specific action under Article I, Section 8, Clause 15 of the Constitution. The law mandates the Governor take all necessary actions to comply with this requirement, and it takes effect immediately upon passage. The bill does not change existing federal authority but adds a state-level restriction on National Guard deployment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4542) updates Chicopee's city charter to remove gendered language, such as replacing "mayor" with gender-neutral terms like "city manager" or "chief executive." It directly affects Chicopee's municipal governance documents and procedures. The key mechanism is amending the existing charter text to ensure all titles and references are inclusive of all genders. This is a procedural change to the city's foundational document, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts broadband providers (wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite) to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income households. Eligible households must participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualify for specific assistance programs. Providers must offer service at a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed for $15/month (including taxes/fees), with limited annual price increases. Providers must also advertise the program, report enrollment and compliance annually to the state, and face penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Massachusetts maintains voter registration lists. It replaces automatic removal of voters after two years of inactivity with a new "inactive voters list" system. Registrars must send voters a notice if their address appears outdated, giving them 2 years to confirm continued residency by voting, returning a notice card, or submitting written affirmation. Voters on the inactive list can restore their status without penalty during this period. The bill directly affects residents whose addresses may no longer match registration records, ensuring they aren't removed without opportunity to verify eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 614) amends Massachusetts law to establish clearer standards for compensating car dealers who perform warranty repairs. It requires dealers to calculate fair labor rates for warranty work using either their standard non-warranty labor time guides or by submitting 100 sequential non-warranty repair orders (or 60 days of such orders) to calculate an average hourly rate. If a manufacturer disputes a dealer's declared rate, the manufacturer must prove it inaccurate within 30 days, and dealers can seek court review if unresolved. The bill directly affects auto dealers and manufacturers/distributors in Massachusetts, defining "fair and reasonable compensation" as the rate used for non-warranty repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1461) allows veterans who are current members of state retirement systems to purchase military service time for retirement credit, even if they missed the original 180-day deadline. It directly affects veterans in service who failed to make this purchase within the initial timeframe under Chapter 32 of the General Laws. The key provision creates a one-time opportunity for these veterans to apply within one year of the bill's effective date, and requires retirement systems to notify all eligible members in service within 90 days of the law taking effect. This change modifies existing rules to provide a second chance for veterans to count military service toward their retirement benefits.