Maddy summarySD 1108 creates new procedures for addressing animal neglect in Massachusetts. It defines "neglected" as depriving animals of food, water, shelter, or causing unnecessary suffering, and gives animal control officers, police, and certain nonprofits the authority to intervene. Authorities can immediately remove animals in emergencies or file court petitions seeking care orders, seizure, or forfeiture - requiring hearings within 10 days and prohibiting fees for petitions. The law ensures courts consider veterinary care, community standards, and past records when determining neglect, and mandates owners pay for care only if found responsible. This directly affects animal owners, shelters, and enforcement agencies by standardizing humane intervention steps.
Sen. John Velis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 12-member task force to review Massachusetts laws on domestic violence and sexual assault reports and confidentiality. The task force includes officials from law enforcement, victim services, and survivors' advocates, plus appointed members from legislative leaders. It will assess current laws (including Chapter 41, Section 97D), identify gaps, and develop recommendations to protect survivors' confidentiality without shielding perpetrators. The task force must submit its final report to the legislature within 18 months of the bill's effective date. This is a procedural bill establishing a review process, not a direct policy change.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1283) of John C. Velis for legislation to protect orders issued on behalf of a minor so that the order remains in effect until the expiration date of the order. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1285) of John C. Velis for legislation relative penalties for shoplifting and judicial discretion when a person is dealing with a substance use disorder. The Judiciary.
Maddy summarySD 134 establishes a mandatory ban on convicted animal abusers from owning or accessing animals. It requires courts to prohibit such individuals from owning, harboring, or working with animals (including in shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet businesses) for at least 5 years for a first offense or 15+ years for repeat offenses. The bill also creates a "Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund" that receives fines from violations, which must be deposited into this fund. It outlines a process for offenders to petition courts after one year to reduce the ban, subject to proving they no longer pose a risk and have completed required programs.
Maddy summarySD 1110, the Massachusetts Judicial Security Act, protects judges and their immediate family members by restricting the public sharing of their personal information. It prohibits state agencies, municipalities, and data brokers from publishing or selling judges' home addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses without written permission. The law requires any entity holding such information to remove it from public view within 72 hours of a written request from a protected individual (defined as current or retired judges at state or federal levels). Violations can result in lawsuits seeking removal of the information and payment of legal fees. This directly affects judicial personnel and their families by giving them control over their personal data.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standardized rules for attaching broadband infrastructure to utility poles, primarily affecting broadband providers and utility pole owners. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process requiring pole owners to provide a list of qualified contractors to modify poles for new broadband attachments, reducing delays. The bill defines key terms like "common space" (shared pole area) and "assigned space" (designated attachment zones) to clarify pole usage and prevent disputes. These changes aim to streamline pole attachment procedures, making it faster and less costly for broadband providers to expand network infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of West Springfield to issue four new licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be taken off-premises (not consumed on-site) to specific businesses at their current locations: Calabrese Market (54 Park Street), Delaney's Market (334 Park Street), KKK&P LLC (The Country Store, 1022 Amostown Road), and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe (68 North Boulevard). One of these licenses (for The Country Store) requires surrendering an existing wine license first. The licenses are permanently tied to the specified locations and cannot be transferred to new sites, though they may be reused at the same location if returned to the town within three years. The bill took effect upon enactment on December 4, 2025.
Maddy summarySD 778 designates April 13 as "413 Day" in Massachusetts. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation for this date to promote tourism, economic development, and the unique culture of western Massachusetts. It also recommends that residents observe the day in an appropriate manner. This is a symbolic measure with no new regulations, taxes, or funding, solely focused on raising awareness of western Massachusetts' cultural and economic assets.
By Mr. Velis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 838) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to require all providers of transmitting antennas for telecommunications services or for video programming or television broadcast through mobile or radio services to obtain wireless infrastructure insurance that support electrical, mechanical, and non-ionizing radiation safety. Financial Services.