Sen. Paul Feeney

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to update definitions for "New smart growth development" and "Smart growth zoning district" within the context of housing and community development. It specifically clarifies that these terms apply to new residential or commercial projects, including major renovations, located in areas approved for density bonuses. The legislation sets a threshold for substantial redevelopment, defining it as a project costing more than 50% of a building's pre-renovation value or a change from nonresidential to residential use. By refining these legal definitions, the bill aims to streamline how communities and the state department of housing identify eligible projects for financial incentives.

By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2246) of James J. O'Day, Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to authorize attending physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying medication that will end the life of patients in a peaceful manner. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding tool within the Massachusetts School Building Authority to invest in vocational-technical education programs and regional schools. It allocates $3 billion to replace or renovate school infrastructure and purchase critical training equipment to better prepare students for industry-relevant careers. The legislation also adjusts reimbursement rates for these projects, allowing the state to cover between 75% and 90% of eligible construction costs, with higher rates available for schools that align with regional workforce needs.

March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).

By Representative Hogan of Stow and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2197) of Kate Hogan, Julian Cyr and others for legislation to protect public health from PFAS. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts residents and local governments address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The fund is designed to cover remediation costs for municipalities, private well owners, and public water systems without requiring additional annual appropriations from the state budget. Money for the fund will come from settlements related to claims against manufacturers of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam, and any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs is responsible for administering the fund and ensuring expenditures align with existing legal settlements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to change how members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are appointed by the governor. It specifies that the nine appointed members must include representatives from labor organizations, business and industry, parents, teachers, school committees, and four additional members. The legislation requires the governor to select these individuals from lists of three nominees provided by specific groups, such as the Massachusetts State Labor Council and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to provide financial incentives to Massachusetts cities and towns that adopt specific zoning districts designed to encourage new housing construction. Under the new provisions, local governments would receive a lump-sum payment based on the total number of projected housing units in their approved smart growth or starter home districts. Additionally, developers or municipalities would earn a separate payment of $6,000 for each individual housing unit built within these designated areas, provided a building permit is issued. The funding for these payments comes from state trust funds or general appropriations, and the actual disbursement depends on approval by the state department and proof of construction activity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to support the development and installation of renewable heating systems, such as heat pumps and renewable hydrogen, by using money collected from alternative compliance payments. It also expands the types of entities eligible for tax benefits and introduces a refundable tax credit for businesses producing renewable heating fuels. Additionally, the legislation provides a 30 percent tax credit for homeowners and businesses who purchase and install approved renewable heating equipment, allowing them to receive a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. These measures aim to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging the adoption of cleaner thermal energy sources across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Downtown Vitality Fund to support local commercial districts and small businesses across Massachusetts. It establishes a new revenue source by allocating 5% of sales tax receipts from remote online retailers to this dedicated fund. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development will use these funds to provide grants for establishing and operating district management entities, as well as offering technical assistance to local groups. A new 15-member advisory board will be appointed to guide the fund's priorities, which include supporting small businesses in low-income areas, expanding entrepreneurship for underrepresented communities, and preserving cultural identity. The agency must also submit annual reports to state legislative committees detailing how the grants are dispersed.