Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to establish a formal framework for assessing and improving mattress recycling in Massachusetts. It creates specific definitions for key terms like "covered entities," which include retailers and waste facilities that handle discarded mattresses, and "producer," which refers to companies that manufacture or sell mattresses. The legislation sets up a mattress stewardship fee to fund collection, transport, and processing, while also requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to develop performance goals for recycling rates and public awareness. By clarifying roles and funding mechanisms, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing mattress waste without mandating specific recycling outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal mattress stewardship program in Massachusetts to improve the recycling of discarded mattresses. It defines key terms such as "covered entities," which include retailers and facilities that handle discarded mattresses, and sets up a fee system to fund collection and processing efforts. The legislation requires the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee the program and establish performance goals to track recycling rates and public awareness. By creating these specific definitions and oversight mechanisms, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing mattress waste in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the financial and environmental impacts of how mattresses and bed foundations are disposed of in Massachusetts. The commission will examine current recycling options, compare costs for taxpayers and municipalities, and review successful programs in other states to make recommendations for better policies. The panel includes representatives from the state legislature, the governor's office, environmental agencies, and mattress recycling organizations, and it must submit its findings by November 30, 2023.

By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2255) of Smitty Pignatelli and others that public health dental hygienists be able to bill third-party insurance carriers for services provided. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth to manage discarded mattresses through environmentally sound practices. It requires mattress producers and retailers to pay a fee, known as a stewardship assessment, which funds a nonprofit organization responsible for collecting and recycling these items. The program mandates that basic collection services be offered to consumers at no cost, while the department of environmental protection oversees program plans and ensures recyclers meet specific performance standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer protections and information for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax liens, ensuring the notice includes contact details and explains the owner's rights to redeem the property. The law also mandates that notices be sent via certified mail and posted on the property in plain language, including translations in the seven most common languages spoken in the state. Additionally, the bill defines how to calculate any remaining value owed to a homeowner after a property is sold to satisfy tax debts. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure residents understand the steps involved in tax foreclosure processes.

Senate, June 27, 2024 -- Text of amendment (242) (offered by Senator Comerford) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 2834) to the Senate Bill relative to the Affordable Housing Act

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to better protect homeowners by clarifying how much money they might get back if their property is sold to pay off taxes. It requires government officials and private buyers of tax liens to send clear, plain-language notices in English and seven other common languages before taking legal action or selling the debt. These notices must explain the foreclosure process, how to reclaim the property, and the specific costs involved, while also defining how any leftover value from a property sale will be returned to the former owner. Additionally, the law mandates that initial tax demands for residential homes be sent via certified mail and posted publicly to ensure owners are properly informed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer information and protections for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax debt, mandating that notices be sent via certified mail, posted on the property, and written in plain English plus the seven most common languages in the state. The legislation also defines how to calculate "excess equity" for homeowners after a sale and ensures that initial tax demands include warnings about potential property loss and available assistance programs. These changes aim to improve transparency throughout the tax collection process while maintaining the state's ability to recover unpaid taxes.

By Representatives Vitolo of Brookline and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2974) of Tommy Vitolo, David M. Rogers and others relative to senior property tax deferral. Revenue.