Maddy summaryThis bill revives and extends the operations of the Citizens Commission, a group established in 2018 to advocate for a constitutional amendment to secure government of the people. The legislation amends existing laws to ensure the commission continues its work until a proposed amendment is officially ratified, while also providing the commission with administrative support from the governor's office. Key provisions include updating the rules for appointing commission members to require consultation with minority leaders and establishing a clear process for filling vacancies within specific timeframes. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission issue an annual report analyzing federal constitutional amendments related to campaign finance and offering recommendations for future legislative actions.
Rep. Ted Philips
Sponsored bills
By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3517) of Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to enhancing burial expenses for veterans. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program within the Department of Mental Health to support nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. The funding is intended to help these organizations train their staff in behavioral health and expand supportive services for communities frequently targeted by bias. Grants can be used for specific initiatives such as mental health first aid training, culturally responsive referral systems, and community education to reduce stigma. The program requires that grants be distributed equitably across the state and aligned with recent hate crime data, with a final report on the program's performance due six months after the first grants are issued.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Plastics Reduction Act to limit the use of single-use plastics by retail establishments. It defines specific terms such as "carryout bag" and "food service ware" while prohibiting businesses from providing certain disposable plastic items to customers. The legislation sets clear standards for what materials are considered biodegradable or compostable and outlines requirements for reusable and recycled paper bags. By amending state laws, the act directly affects grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and other businesses that sell goods or provide food services to the public.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to biomarker testing for cancer patients in Massachusetts to help them receive the most appropriate therapy. It requires health insurers to cover the cost of these specific tests without imposing additional restrictions or requiring prior authorization beyond what is already standard for other medical services. The legislation directly affects cancer patients, their families, and health insurance providers by ensuring that necessary diagnostic tools are financially accessible. By removing barriers to testing, the bill seeks to facilitate better treatment decisions based on individual patient biology.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Plastics Reduction Act to limit the use of single-use plastics by retailers and state agencies. It requires businesses to charge a minimum fee of 10 cents for recycled paper carryout bags while prohibiting the provision of plastic bags unless they are reusable or recycled paper. The legislation also mandates that disposable food service items like straws and utensils be available only upon customer request and restricts state agencies from purchasing small single-use plastic bottles. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create a program for recycling bulk plastic materials and grants municipalities the ability to develop local recycling initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Sharon to convert a specific 0.86-acre parcel of land, originally designated for outdoor recreation, into general municipal use for a building and parking. In exchange for this change, the town must dedicate a separate 5.95-acre parcel to public outdoor recreational use and ensure that existing trees on the converted land are protected during construction. The legislation allows the town's select board to proceed with these land use changes while maintaining a balance between new municipal facilities and public green space.
By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2921) of Edward R. Philips that cities and towns be authorized to create local rules and procedures allowing persons over the age of 60 to volunteer to provide services in exchange for a reduction in property tax obligations. Revenue.
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2908) of James J. O'Day and others relative to excluding certain income from the calculation of the tax on incomes in excess of one million dollars. Revenue.
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2909) of James J. O'Day and others for legislation to require certain married couples to submit joint income tax returns. Revenue.