Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summarySD 980, titled "An Act relative to fentanyl arrests," modifies Massachusetts bail procedures for individuals arrested specifically for fentanyl-related offenses. It requires that anyone aged 18 or older arrested for manufacturing, selling, or distributing fentanyl (under Chapter 94C sections 32, 32E, or 32F) cannot be released on bail sooner than six hours after arrest. Bail must be set by a judge in open court - bail commissioners, clerks, or other non-judicial personnel cannot grant release. Additionally, those setting bail must access the individual’s criminal history and related records before imposing release conditions to ensure court appearance and community safety.

By Mr. Tarr (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1274) of Gracemarie R. Tomaselli, , Joyce A. Tomaselli, , John Lundgren, , Sandra Lundgren, and others for legislation to strengthen rules governing attorney conduct; penalties for misconduct. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1076) of Peter J. Durant and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to penalties for loan of money secured by weapons. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1273) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative the power of courts and judges to maintain election integrity. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1272) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to public safety, fiscal responsibility and the emergency housing assistance program. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 50) amends Massachusetts law to treat certain drug distribution causing death as second-degree murder. It directly affects individuals who knowingly or intentionally traffic or unlawfully distribute controlled substances (like drugs) when their actions result in death. The key provision elevates the criminal charge from drug trafficking to second-degree murder under Chapter 265, Section 1. It also explicitly states that ignorance of a user's pre-existing health condition cannot be used as a defense.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SD 176, creates a legal shield against "strategic lawsuits against public participation" (SLAPPs) in Massachusetts. It allows individuals and organizations to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target their free speech or petition rights on public issues by filing a special motion to dismiss. To proceed, plaintiffs must prove their claim has merit with "prima facie" evidence; if the motion succeeds, defendants recover legal costs and fees. The law directly affects citizens, nonprofits, journalists, and community groups speaking on public concerns, and applies to cases filed against them in state courts. It aims to prevent lawsuits designed to silence public debate rather than resolve genuine disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 75) requires the forfeiture of assets used to facilitate sexual offenses or related crimes, directly affecting convicted offenders and benefiting victims. It makes individuals convicted under specific Massachusetts sexual offense laws (chapters 265 sections 22-24C, 50, or 51) ineligible for remaining lottery prize money, with unclaimed portions returned to the state lottery fund. It also mandates forfeiture of all money used to pay for forced labor, sexual servitude, or to facilitate those crimes, with court-ordered restitution paid to victims from these seized funds. The law updates forfeiture procedures to specifically include lottery prizes and other state funds used in such offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 211) updates Massachusetts wiretap laws to clarify when law enforcement may use electronic surveillance. It requires judicial oversight for intercepting communications related to specific serious crimes, including both organized crime offenses (like firearms trafficking and extortion) and non-organized violent crimes (such as murder, rape, and human trafficking). The bill defines "wire communication" broadly to cover modern devices like smartphones while exempting body cameras worn by officers and vehicle cameras during traffic stops. It also prohibits private citizens from secretly using surveillance devices and specifies that law enforcement must limit surveillance to designated offenses under court supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1264) amends Massachusetts labor laws to strengthen employee remedies for violations of specific workplace protections. It allows employees who believe their rights under certain labor laws (like wage laws or anti-discrimination rules) were violated to file their own lawsuits after a 90-day waiting period (or sooner with the Attorney General's consent), within three years of the violation. If an employee wins a lawsuit and the violation was "willful," they can receive triple damages for lost wages and benefits, plus attorney fees. Non-willful violations result in standard court-determined damages. The bill directly affects employees facing workplace rights violations and employers subject to these labor laws.