Rep. Dennis Gallagher

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Bridgewater's town charter to limit council members to four total terms (elected or appointed) for either District Council or At-Large Council positions. It prevents a person from serving more than four terms in total across both roles, though prior service in one role doesn't block running for the other. Short council terms (under 24 months) won't count toward the four-term limit. The amendment requires approval from Bridgewater's Town Council, the state legislature, and local voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHD 2565 proposes adding a recall provision to Bridgewater's town charter, allowing voters to remove elected officials like town council members for specific reasons. Grounds for recall include felony convictions, certain serious misdemeanors (e.g., domestic violence, DUI), conflict of interest violations, or missing over half of official meetings. To initiate a recall, at least 10% of registered voters must sign a petition, leading to a vote within 60-90 days where voters choose "for" or "against" the recall. If recalled, the winner takes the unexpired term, and the official remains in office until the election. This proposal requires approval by Bridgewater's town council, the state legislature, and voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires carnivals operating mobile amusement devices with enclosed passenger areas (like pods or cabins) to install seat belts as a safety restraint. It directly affects carnival operators who use such enclosed ride equipment. The law mandates these restraints to prevent injury if a rider loses consciousness or control during operation, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill defines "carnival" as mobile amusement enterprises using portable devices or temporary structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1513) expands legal after-death care options in Massachusetts by adding two new methods - alkaline hydrolysis (a water-based dissolution process) and natural organic reduction (converting remains to soil) - to existing laws alongside traditional cremation and burial. It amends multiple sections of state law to replace or add these terms wherever "cremation" appears, ensuring they are legally recognized for body disposal. The bill also defines both new methods in Chapter 114 and updates requirements for how remains can be handled, stored, or interred. These changes directly affect funeral homes, cemeteries, and families making end-of-life decisions in Massachusetts.

Senate, January 29, 2026 -- The committee on Financial Services to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2738) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Norman J. Orrall, Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly W. Pease and other members of the General Court for legislation to address rising insurance costs for manufactured home residents, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2919).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to pay ambulance service providers directly for emergency ambulance services when the provider isn't contracted with the insurer. It applies to insured individuals receiving emergency care, ensuring payment goes to the ambulance provider even if the insurance policy prohibits assignment of benefits, provided the insured signs an assignment or is unable to do so. Payment rates must match the municipality's established rate for the transport location (excluding critical care air/ground services), and providers cannot bill patients for the covered amount after receiving this payment - only coinsurance, deductibles, or copays remain. The bill prevents providers from seeking additional payment from patients for covered services while preserving existing insurance coverage rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how certain Massachusetts counties retain property transfer tax revenue (deeds excise receipts). Starting July 1, 2025, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties will keep an additional 20% of these receipts, while Barnstable County will keep an additional 7.5%. The funds must go into each county’s general fund and can be used for county operations, maintenance, or saved for future needs. The bill applies only to receipts collected after the specified date and modifies existing retention rules for these specific counties.

Maddy summaryHD 1735 imposes a tax on large real estate investment firms (defined as entities managing $10 million or more in assets) that own more residential properties (1-4 units) than allowed under phased ownership limits. The tax equals $10 million multiplied by the number of excess properties, calculated annually based on a declining percentage of their 2023 holdings over nine years. Revenue from this tax funds a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing residential properties, administered through the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund. The bill directly affects large investment firms managing significant residential portfolios, requiring them to reduce holdings or pay the tax, while excluding nonprofit organizations and affordable housing from its scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the creation of a special legislative commission to study whether county land record offices (registries of deeds) should be placed under the oversight of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The commission would examine the feasibility and effectiveness of moving these offices, specifically for counties that still operate them. The bill itself does not change any laws but authorizes a study to inform potential future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public dashboard showing how residential energy bills are calculated, including detailed breakdowns of charges from gas and electric companies and explanations of each bill component. It requires energy companies to submit quarterly reports on rates, customer data, and clean energy program costs, and mandates the dashboard include analysis of benefits like reduced emissions, system reliability, and avoided energy costs. The bill also requires utilities to return 70% of certain clean energy payments directly to ratepayers through annual bill credits. These changes apply to Massachusetts residential electricity and gas customers and affect all energy companies operating in the state.