Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryHD 3002 creates exceptions to insurance surcharges for certain motor vehicle incidents. It prohibits surcharges on premiums for: property damage under $5,000; the first accident over $5,000; the first two speeding violations (unless license suspension is involved); accidents caused by non-insured drivers; and the first/second non-fault accidents without moving violations. The bill directly affects drivers whose insurance premiums might otherwise increase due to these specific, limited incidents. It changes how insurers calculate surcharges, making these situations exempt from premium increases under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the threshold for insurance surcharges after car accidents. It changes the law so that insurers cannot increase premiums for accidents where claim payments (after deductibles) are $5,000 or less. Specifically, it defines "minor accidents" as claims between $5,000 and $7,500, and "major accidents" as claims over $7,500. This directly affects car insurance policyholders who have minor accidents without large claims, preventing unnecessary premium hikes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2407) proposes renaming Winchester Center Station in the Massachusetts transportation system to "Governor John A. Volpe Station" as a commemorative tribute. It directly affects the station's official designation and transit signage. The bill contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms - it is solely a ceremonial renaming request for a transit facility.

Maddy summaryHD 3719 establishes the Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FAS) pilot grant program to provide direct cash assistance to survivors of violence and their families. The program, administered by the Department of Public Health, funds community-based organizations to distribute flexible cash payments (e.g., prepaid cards, checks, or direct deposits) to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, firearm injuries, and other specified violence, including family members who witnessed such acts. Eligible organizations must serve survivors directly, with priority given to those working with disproportionately impacted groups like survivors of color, undocumented individuals, people with disabilities, and those facing homelessness. The bill mandates an advisory committee including survivor voices to streamline applications and reduce paperwork burdens for grant recipients.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2180) of Michael O. Moore, Brian W. Murray, James K. Hawkins, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to define fraud in public construction bid laws. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to adjust traffic signal timing at crosswalks to accommodate pedestrians who walk slower due to age, mobility aids, or transporting others. It mandates that towns create lists of high-traffic crosswalk locations where these pedestrians frequently cross, then extend walk clearance times to ensure safe crossing. The policy directly affects slower-walking pedestrians and local governments, which must implement these changes by January 1, 2027. The Department of Highways must issue implementing regulations by January 1, 2026.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1936) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Jacob R. Oliveira, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to maintain the state disaster relief and resiliency trust fund. Revenue.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 283) of Pavel M. Payano, Joan B. Lovely, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton and other members of the Senate for legislation to expand licensure opportunity for school counselors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 644) of Michael O. Moore, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, David T. Vieira, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court relative to pesticides. Environment and Natural Resources.