Rep. James Arena-DeRosa

Maddy summaryHD 2057 requires businesses to clearly disclose credit card surcharges to customers. Specifically, sellers must display a visible sign at their location and include the surcharge amount and its connection to their credit card processing costs on every receipt. This applies to any transaction where a customer chooses to pay by credit card instead of cash or check. The bill directly affects retailers and service providers that charge such fees. It mandates transparent disclosure but does not change the fees themselves or their legality.

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 Registrars must send voters a notice if their address appears outdated, giving them 2 years to confirm continued residency by voting, returning a notice card, or submitting written affirmation.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 summaryHD 856 would allow eligible Massachusetts voters to register in person on election day at their polling place or an early voting site. To register, voters must present proof of residence (like a utility bill or driver's license) and sign an affidavit confirming they meet voting requirements (citizenship, age, residency, etc.), with penalties for false statements including up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The bill requires election officials to immediately permit voting after registration, adds the voter to the permanent list, and allows provisional ballots if proof of residence isn't presented upfront (requiring submission within 2-6 days). This directly affects voters who miss traditional registration deadlines but reside in Massachusetts.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor, Peter J. Durant and others for legislation to prevent false impersonation of a federal official. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryHD 3159 bans the use of tire-derived materials (like crumb rubber, shredded tires, and rubberized asphalt) in all new playgrounds and playing fields across Massachusetts. It directly affects schools, parks, childcare centers, and sports facilities by prohibiting these materials in construction or maintenance of play surfaces. The law includes an exception for existing surfaces installed before the bill's effective date. The Department of Environmental Protection enforces the ban, while the Department of Public Health will advise on safe alternative surfacing. This is a direct policy change affecting all public and private play areas in the state.

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 920) of Mike Connolly, John R. Gaskey and Bud L. Williams for legislation to establish a voucher program for home water filtration equipment. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHD 2634 allocates $2.2 billion to modernize Massachusetts' water infrastructure, primarily through $2 billion for expanding the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's service area to support housing development and address PFAS-contaminated water supplies. The bill prioritizes funding for debt relief to improve affordability in struggling communities, grants for sewer and water upgrades tied to housing projects, and research on PFAS and biosolids. It also establishes a commission to review water transfer laws for housing development and requires annual reports on expansion projects and barriers. The funding directly affects municipalities, water utilities, and communities with water quality issues, with specific targets for housing-related infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually increases retirement benefits for public employees by adjusting the percentage of Social Security benefits they receive, starting at 65% (replacing a fixed $18,000 amount) and rising to 100% over multiple years. It also prevents future health premium increases from affecting retirees who retired before such changes take effect, and caps out-of-pocket health costs at $2,500 for individual coverage and $5,000 for family coverage for retirees over 65 not eligible for Medicare. The changes take effect between 2025 and 2043, with specific provisions phasing in over time. The bill directly affects retired public employees in the state, particularly regarding their pension calculations and health insurance costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3714) adjusts cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retired public employees in Massachusetts state and teacher retirement systems. It increases the base amount used to calculate COLAs from $13,000 to $16,000 annually and requires systems to apply COLAs based on the previous year’s U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase or 3%, whichever is greater. Retirees receiving benefits at 85%, 95%, or 100% of Social Security levels will see COLAs calculated on higher base amounts, with adjustments applied each July 1. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature on CPI changes and COLA calculations.

Maddy summaryHD 754 creates a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to help homeowners repair or replace residential foundations damaged by pyrite or pyrrhotite. The fund, managed by the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, provides financial assistance for repairs, reimburses homeowners who already paid for fixes (up to the fund amount), and exempts these repairs from property taxes. It is funded through state appropriations, federal programs (like HUD's Section 108), private donations, and interest, with annual reports required to the legislature. A stakeholder working group must also develop long-term solutions by February 2026, including potential funding models like insurance surcharges. This directly affects Massachusetts homeowners with deteriorating foundations and aims to reduce municipal fiscal strain.