Rep. Jay Livingstone

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' sales tax exemption for research and development (R&D) purchases to include non-corporate entities like limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships. Previously, only manufacturing corporations qualified; the bill now explicitly covers "any entity engaged primarily in R&D activities" filing state tax returns. Non-corporate entities must annually confirm their primary R&D focus and may need to submit supporting documentation. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, applying to qualifying purchases made on or after that date.

By Representatives Sabadosa of Northampton and Livingstone of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Jay D. Livingstone relative to the concealment of the death of child born out of wedlock. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state pension funds to divest from companies that generate significant revenue from civilian ammunition, firearms, or firearm accessories. Specifically, funds must identify and sell all direct holdings in such companies within 12 months of enactment, while requesting fund managers to remove these companies from indirect holdings (e.g., mutual funds). The policy applies to entities deriving over 15% of revenue from non-law enforcement or non-military sales of these products. Annual reports detailing divestments must be submitted to the attorney general and state legislative committees. The bill also exempts funds from conflicting laws and provides legal protection for officials implementing the policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1 billion Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to fund municipal water infrastructure improvements. It provides grants to cities and towns for repairing drinking water systems, replacing lead service lines, and upgrading storm and waste water infrastructure. Funding is distributed using a formula based on each municipality's road miles, population, and employment. To qualify, towns must have an approved asset management plan and implement a cost-based pricing system for water services. The program is funded through state bonds, with reimbursements processed within 30 days of approved project completion.

Maddy summaryHD 2707 creates the "Nature for All Fund" to finance nature-based climate and conservation projects across Massachusetts. The fund, financed by specific sales tax revenues (codes 459110, 441210, and 713910), will support parks, trails, water protection, farm/forest conservation, and indigenous land access - prioritizing underserved communities and environmental justice areas. It establishes a 15-member board to oversee spending, requiring annual reports on funds directed to environmental justice populations. The fund will supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs and may issue bonds secured solely by its revenues.

Maddy summaryHD 1583 allows any person aged 18 or older who is not a party to a case to serve legal summonses and complaints in Massachusetts District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Superior Court. It also amends a law to prevent cases from being dismissed solely because of an arbitration agreement. The bill directly affects individuals involved in civil lawsuits within these specific courts by changing who can initiate legal proceedings and how cases may be dismissed. These changes aim to streamline court processes and address issues related to arbitration agreements in civil litigation. The bill does not alter substantive legal rights but modifies procedural steps for filing and dismissing cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for certain fire and explosion-related offenses. It adds new criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally manufacture controlled substances and cause fires/explosions resulting in injury or property damage (Section 1), intentionally set fires in schools (Section 2), or recklessly use fire/explosives endangering others (Section 3). For unauthorized fires causing property damage, it increases penalties based on cost: fines up to $1,000 for damage under $5,000, and prison time for damage at or above $5,000 (Section 4). The bill directly affects individuals committing these specific fire-related offenses, particularly those involving controlled substances, schools, or reckless fire use.

Maddy summaryHD 3912 creates a state-funded program providing free legal representation to low-income tenants and homeowners facing eviction or housing subsidy termination in Massachusetts. It directly affects eligible individuals who qualify based on income (80% of area median income or less), public assistance status, or inability to pay court costs without hardship. The program, administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, will fund designated legal aid organizations to provide "full legal representation" in covered housing cases, including eviction proceedings. These organizations must serve low-income communities, ensure language access, and work with an advisory committee of housing advocates and tenants.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits family and juvenile courts from considering a parent's disability or its manifestations as a negative factor in custody, parenting time, or child removal decisions, unless specific evidence proves harm that accommodations cannot prevent. It defines "disability" broadly (per the ADA Amendments Act), "adaptive parenting equipment" (e.g., tools to support parenting), and "supportive parenting services" (e.g., specialized training or interpreters). Courts must provide written findings if disability is considered, detailing the harm, its impact on the child's best interests, and whether accommodations could alleviate the issue. The law directly affects parents with disabilities navigating family court cases and requires courts to prioritize accommodations over assumptions about disability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals with emergency departments to provide abortion services as part of necessary stabilizing treatment for life-threatening conditions like ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, or complications of pregnancy loss. It mandates hospitals to submit annual compliance reports and imposes fines up to $50,000 for violations, with license revocation for repeated offenses. The bill also prohibits healthcare staff from refusing care when an abortion is needed to preserve a patient’s life and requires written informed consent in multilingual forms without unnecessary waiting periods. It updates healthcare laws to replace "physician" with "provider" and ensures confidentiality for patient records related to abortion care.