Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law regarding public construction contracts by changing disclosure rules for contractor applications. It specifically removes financial information from being considered "public record" in applications for a certificate of eligibility and update statements, while keeping other application details public. The change directly affects contractors seeking public construction work who must submit these applications. The key mechanism is a precise textual amendment to two sections of Chapter 149, ensuring financial details remain confidential under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts' affordable housing efforts. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker (all with housing expertise), will assess the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance over the past five years specifically regarding affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission must complete its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to the legislature within one year. This directly affects the Housing Finance Agency's operations and accountability for housing outcomes in designated gateway cities.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 230) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to enhance the podiatric profession's registration and oversight. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 241) of Paul R. Feeney and Adam J. Scanlon for legislation relative to problem gambling and the public health trust fund. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within Massachusetts' occupational licensure division. The board, consisting of seven members, will directly affect auto damage appraisers, insurance companies, auto body repair shops, and consumers by setting licensing standards. Key provisions include requiring the governor to appoint two industry representatives (auto repair and insurance), the attorney general to appoint a consumer advocate and a neutral office representative, and the licensing commissioner to appoint a chair who cannot represent either industry. The board will handle licensing requirements, with members limited to two consecutive 3-year terms.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to support families who experience the birth of a stillborn child. Revenue.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1699) of Paul R. Feeney and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish a primary seat belt law. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summarySD 1884 removes the fifth paragraph from Section 6B of Chapter 159B in the General Laws. This amendment directly reduces administrative requirements for government agencies and businesses operating under these regulations. By eliminating a specific procedural step, the bill simplifies compliance processes without changing substantive rules. The change affects state departments and regulated industries that must follow Chapter 159B procedures.

Maddy summarySD 2505 establishes a clean fuel standard requiring transportation fuel providers in Massachusetts to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. It creates a credit-trading system where providers earning credits for low-carbon fuels (like electric vehicles or biofuels) can sell them to offset deficits from higher-carbon fuels. Public entities generating credits must invest a portion of their credit value in clean energy and transportation projects within disadvantaged communities. The law applies to most transportation fuels but excludes aviation, rail, military, and interstate waterborne vessels. Compliance is measured using full lifecycle emissions data, including indirect impacts like land use changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to support municipal light plants during emergencies. It allows these community-owned utilities to sell, rent, or lease equipment (like generators or tools) used for emergency mutual aid - when one town helps another during power outages. It also ensures employees providing this emergency assistance receive the same workers' compensation coverage and benefits as if they were working on regular utility duties. The changes directly affect municipal light plants and their workers participating in mutual aid efforts across towns.