Sen. Paul Mark

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to pass local laws that limit how much landlords can raise rents and restrict when they can evict tenants. Municipalities would adopt these rules by voting to accept the chapter and then creating specific ordinances that cap annual rent increases at the lower of the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent. The protections apply to most rental units but exclude small owner-occupied buildings, dormitories, elderly care facilities, and new buildings with a recent occupancy certificate. Additionally, the bill requires that evictions or lease non-renewals only happen for specific reasons such as unpaid rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or the owner converting the unit to a cooperative.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a network of peer-run respite centers across Massachusetts to provide short-term, safe housing and support for adults experiencing emotional or mental distress. The Department of Mental Health is tasked with creating at least 14 of these centers, ensuring that every county has at least one location, with two specifically designated for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Hampden and Suffolk counties. These facilities must be operated by non-profit organizations led by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, who will also serve as trained peer supporters. The centers offer a homelike environment focused on recovery and wellness rather than clinical treatment, aiming to reduce social isolation and provide immediate relief during crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund in Massachusetts to support the energy-efficient upgrades of existing buildings. The fund, managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center, provides financial assistance for projects that make buildings highly energy efficient, switch to all-electric systems, install renewable energy sources, and use low-carbon materials. Priority funding is directed toward affordable housing, public schools, and small businesses, with a specific focus on communities in environmental justice areas, gateway cities, and those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Additionally, the legislation allows money to cover necessary remediation costs, such as mold removal or lead paint mitigation, that must be addressed before renovations can begin.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal requirement for the state to ensure fair and adequate funding for Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates that the Board of Higher Education determine annual budget requests for these institutions and student financial aid, prioritizing resources for teaching, research, and student support services. Key provisions include directing additional funds toward vulnerable student populations, emphasizing full-time faculty employment with fair wages, and preventing the privatization of public campuses. The legislation also requires the state council to report annually on how these funds are distributed to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows married couples to work as paid caregivers for one another under the MassHealth program in Massachusetts. It amends state law to authorize spouses to provide specific home-based care services, provided these arrangements comply with federal regulations. To make this possible, the state's health and human services department must submit a plan or waiver application to the federal government within six months of the law taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the time limit for filing civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse of minors, allowing victims to seek legal action regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. It also extends this rule to cases involving negligence by individuals who supervised the abuser or whose actions contributed to the abuse. The legislation applies to all such claims, even those that would have expired under previous laws, but limits liability for employers or supervisors to situations where they are found directly responsible for the abuse.

By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Smitty Pignatelli and Paul W. Mark for legislation to designate a portion of state highway Routes 23 west and 41 south in the town of Egremont as the George McGurn memorial highway. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the public schools in Hancock from a specific state law provision that typically allows students to choose schools outside their local district. While it removes this particular legal requirement for Hancock, the legislation explicitly permits the town's schools to continue participating in the existing school choice program. The act takes effect immediately upon passing and applies only to the public schools within Hancock.

By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox and Senator Mark, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Smitty Pignatelli and Paul W. Mark that a certain portion of state highway Route 41 in the town of West Stockbridge be designated as the Gene Dellea highway. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to create a new program aimed at fostering economic growth in rural areas. Administered through the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, the initiative will offer technical assistance to help communities identify strategies for job creation, business expansion, and local economic development. The program will also focus on building cross-sector partnerships and encouraging active participation from community members in planning efforts. It specifically targets the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire counties by establishing a formal process for these transformative development initiatives.