Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination in Massachusetts drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. It directly affects communities with PFAS pollution, including vulnerable environmental justice areas, private well owners, and public water systems. The fund provides grants for PFAS treatment, remediation, and outreach programs, prioritizing communities with limited resources. Money comes from settlements with PFAS manufacturers, other grants, and interest, with strict rules requiring repayment if responsible parties are later identified.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 243) creates a 25-foot safety zone around law enforcement officers while they are performing official duties. It prohibits anyone from approaching closer after an officer has verbally ordered them to stop or retreat. Violations carry fines up to $500 or up to one year in jail, classified as a breach of the peace. The law applies to all officers defined under Massachusetts law (MGL Chapter 6E) and directly affects individuals who approach officers in this manner.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Massachusetts food businesses (like farms, restaurants, and grocery stores) that donate food to nonprofits serving people in need. Donors can claim a credit equal to the food's fair market value (up to $25,000 annually) if the nonprofit distributes it free or at cost, without reselling it for profit. It also provides legal liability protection for donors and distributors who give food (including expired items) to nonprofits or directly to people, as long as the food meets safety standards and isn't adulterated. The law requires nonprofits to certify donations and ensures compliance with health regulations for food distribution.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5462) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Sally P. Kerans and Bruce E. Tarr (by vote of the town) relative to recall petitions in the charter of the town of Middleton. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts utilities to create a public online dashboard showing real-time breakdowns of residential utility bills, including clean energy program benefits and costs. It mandates that at least 70% of certain clean energy compliance payments must be returned to ratepayers as annual bill credits within 90 days. The dashboard will display historical rate components, program benefits (like reduced emissions and system reliability), and utility cost recovery mechanisms. These changes directly affect residential electricity and gas customers by increasing bill transparency and providing direct financial returns for clean energy investments.

Maddy summaryS 2079, introduced by Senator Bruce Tarr, would establish a commuter tax credit to reduce state income tax for eligible residents. The credit would directly lower the tax amount owed for qualifying commuting expenses, such as public transportation fares or vehicle-related costs for work commutes. This revenue-related bill aims to provide tax relief to commuters who meet specific eligibility criteria. The bill does not specify the credit amount or detailed eligibility rules in its abstract.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2076) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to tax credits for employee recruitment and retention. Revenue.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2089) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to first-time home buyers savings accounts. Revenue.

The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 582) of Peter J. Durant, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to the Ware river watershed advisory committee, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2570).

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1981) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to graduate student loan deductions. Revenue.