Rep. Gerry Cassidy

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 178) of Anne M. Gobi for legislation relative to transparency in credit card fees; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 260) of Gerard J. Cassidy relative to credit card surcharges; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 306) of Colleen M. Garry relative to credit card surcharges, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2565).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits merchants in Massachusetts from adding extra fees, known as surcharges, to purchases made with credit cards. Instead, it allows businesses to offer discounts to customers who pay with cash, checks, debit cards, or other non-credit methods. To ensure transparency, the law requires sellers to clearly display notices about these discounts in physical stores, on their websites, and verbally during phone transactions. By removing the ability to charge extra for credit card use, the legislation aims to level the playing field between different payment options for both buyers and sellers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates a state law to change a specific date from 2018 to 2021 within the clean peak standard incentive program. The change directly affects dairy farms in Massachusetts that participate in this energy efficiency incentive scheme. By adjusting the date, the legislation ensures the program's eligibility criteria align with the updated timeline established in 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to lower the maximum rates that temporary nursing agencies can charge skilled nursing facilities for nursing staff. To set these new caps, the department will calculate a weighted average wage for regular facility employees, including payroll taxes, and ensure agency rates do not exceed 150% of that average. Additionally, the legislation requires agencies to report if they are owned by the same individuals or businesses that own the facilities where they provide services, while also prohibiting such agencies from working at their own affiliated facilities. These changes aim to increase transparency and reduce the overreliance on temporary staffing by adjusting pricing and ownership rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right for home buyers in Massachusetts to have their prospective homes inspected by a licensed professional within ten days of an offer being accepted. It prohibits sellers and their agents from forcing buyers to waive this inspection right, with the exception of sales conducted at licensed auctions. The legislation also prevents sellers from accepting offers from buyers who explicitly state they intend to skip or limit the inspection, unless the buyer is a close family member of the seller. By amending existing state laws, the act ensures that buyers can evaluate critical components like the roof, foundation, and electrical systems before finalizing a purchase.

Senate, October 19, -- 2023 The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Michael O. Moore, John J. Cronin, John H. Rogers, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect consumer rights in purchasing safe and habitable homes; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 245) of Brian M. Ashe and others for legislation to provide for a right to home inspections for buyers, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2474).