Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail food establishments in Massachusetts, such as restaurants and food trucks, to use food service ware that is biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, or reusable for any food prepared or packaged on their premises. It defines these terms based on specific organic materials and industry standards to ensure clarity in what qualifies for compliance. The legislation also directs the state department to create necessary rules and regulations to enforce these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paint recycling program in Massachusetts to manage leftover household paint, directly affecting paint manufacturers, retailers, and homeowners. It requires paint makers or their designated nonprofit groups to submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Protection outlining how they will collect and recycle unused architectural paint across the state. The law defines specific terms like "architectural paint" and "collection site" while mandating that these programs use environmentally sound methods to reduce waste and protect human health. Additionally, the bill sets a requirement for manufacturers to establish a goal for the number and geographic distribution of collection sites to ensure convenient access for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program in Massachusetts to manage leftover household paint by requiring manufacturers to create a plan for collecting and recycling it. The law defines specific terms like "architectural paint" and "collection sites," which can include existing household hazardous waste facilities or volunteer paint retailers. Manufacturers must submit a detailed plan to the Department of Environmental Protection that outlines how they will gather unused paint, ensure safe handling, and track its disposal. The primary goal is to reduce waste by creating a convenient, statewide system for homeowners to return unwanted paint for proper reuse or recycling.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to establish a new framework for managing packaging waste and recycling costs. It creates a comprehensive list of definitions for terms such as "covered entities," which include residents, schools, and small businesses, and "covered materials," which encompass all packaging sold in the state. The legislation sets up a process where the Department of Environmental Protection must approve alternative collection programs run by producers and requires a statewide needs assessment to evaluate recycling infrastructure and costs. By clarifying these terms and procedures, the bill aims to provide a clearer legal basis for reducing waste and recycling expenses across the commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail establishments in Massachusetts to stop selling single-use plastic bags and transition to offering only reusable grocery bags or recycled paper bags. Initially, stores can sell any type of bag for 180 days, after which they must charge a minimum fee of 10 cents for recycled paper bags and 10 cents for reusable bags, while banning the sale of single-use plastic bags entirely. The law defines specific standards for what counts as a reusable bag, such as requiring it to be made of washable fabric and designed for at least 175 uses, and it applies to a wide range of businesses including grocery stores, restaurants, and delivery services. All fees collected from these bags remain with the individual store rather than going to the state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by requiring retail establishments to charge a fee for them. Retailers, which include grocery stores, restaurants, and mobile vendors, must offer reusable bags or recycled paper bags as alternatives to plastic film bags. The legislation defines specific standards for these alternatives, such as requiring recycled paper bags to contain a minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled material and be labeled as recyclable. Additionally, the law establishes definitions for terms like "reusable bag" and "single-use plastic bag" to ensure consistent application across different types of businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to establish a formal framework for producer responsibility programs aimed at reducing recycling costs. It creates specific definitions for terms like "covered materials," which include most packaging and paper products sold or distributed in the state, while excluding long-term storage materials and beverage containers. The legislation sets up a system where producers of these items must manage their own waste through approved alternative collection programs or join a coordinating body to handle recycling logistics. By clarifying these roles and responsibilities, the bill seeks to shift the financial burden of recycling from municipalities to the companies that create the packaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to strengthen protections for workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. It requires the state department to investigate all related claims regardless of their current status and expands the definition of "earnings" to include unpaid wages owed by an employer. The legislation also mandates that employers post clear notices about workers' rights in multiple languages and provides for stricter penalties, including punitive damages, against those who retaliate against or discriminate against injured employees.