Rep. Tom Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts, making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle or ride as a passenger without wearing a safety belt. Drivers face a $50 fine for not wearing a belt themselves, while those with passengers aged 12 to under 16 must also pay an additional $50 for each unbelted child. The law explicitly prohibits insurance surcharges for these violations and forbids police from searching a vehicle solely based on a seat belt infraction. Revenue generated from these tickets will be directed to a trust fund for head injury treatment services, and the law will become effective 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as in-law suites, in single-family residential areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The legislation defines these units as self-contained living spaces with separate entrances that cannot be sold separately from the main home and must be at least 450 square feet but no larger than half the size of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet. A key provision requires that at least one person in either the main house or the new unit must be elderly or have a disability, while still permitting municipalities to limit the total number of such units to a minimum of 5 percent of existing housing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for parking, requiring no more than one additional space, and allows local governments to regulate setbacks and building height.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a program that helps families, youth, and adults avoid becoming homeless by providing cash assistance and services. It allows individuals at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off to receive aid even before they have received official legal notices, using certified statements from landlords or utility companies to verify their financial struggles. The program specifically targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with at least half of the funds reserved for those living at or below 30% of that income. Eligible recipients include families with children under 21, seniors, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and the financial aid is limited to covering actual unpaid rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to help families, youth, and adults avoid homelessness by providing cash assistance for rent and utility bills before a crisis occurs. It targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income who face risks like eviction or utility shut-offs, with at least half of the funds reserved for those earning less than 30% of the area median income. The program allows eligible individuals to receive up to 12 months of financial support for past-due and future housing costs, even if they have not yet received official legal notices from landlords or utility companies. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to submit an annual report detailing application statistics and demographic data to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryHD 4618 would allow Waltham's special police officers to serve until age 70, extending the standard retirement age for this local law enforcement role. The bill applies specifically to Waltham's special police force and requires approval from the city's mayor and city council. It amends local regulations to permit longer service terms without altering state-level retirement policies for other officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that on public construction projects in Massachusetts costing over one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that five percent of these hours be done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to ten percent after one year, and reaching fifteen percent after two years. It applies to contractors and subcontractors who hire hourly workers for projects where prevailing wage rules are in effect. The goal is to create more opportunities for skilled workers to learn their trades while working on state-funded projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that on construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that contractors and subcontractors follow a phased schedule where 5% of hours are done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to 10% after one year, and reaching 15% after two years. These requirements apply to all trades subject to prevailing wage laws and must comply with existing apprentice ratios set by relevant license boards. The legislation aims to create a more skilled workforce by ensuring larger public and private projects integrate more trainees into their operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of large-scale housing projects, defined as buildings with 35 or more units, to submit a fair housing assessment before construction begins. The assessment must be provided to the state Department of Housing and Community Development and the local municipality at least 180 days prior to starting work. It asks developers to analyze how their project might impact fair housing, discrimination, and displacement, and to explain steps they will take to minimize harm. The state department is authorized to issue fines for anyone who fails to comply with these new reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide pilot program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction proceedings. It defines eligible individuals as renters or owners of small homes who are indigent based on specific income thresholds or public assistance status. The legislation designates non-profit organizations to offer full legal services, including advocacy and filing necessary documents, to help these individuals maintain their housing. By ensuring access to counsel in covered proceedings, the bill aims to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability during the ongoing housing emergency.