Sen. John Velis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to check for open safety recalls on vehicles before issuing or renewing their registration. If a vehicle has an open recall, the owner will receive written notice and must complete the necessary repairs before the next renewal deadline. The law allows for exceptions in cases where parts are unavailable, repairs are not covered by the recall, or the owner faces undue hardship. Manufacturers and dealers retain their existing legal liabilities under this new requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to study and develop policies against the financial abuse of people over the age of 60. The commission will be composed of legislators, legal experts, advocates for the elderly, representatives from the real estate and financial industries, and staff from aging councils. Its specific tasks include investigating how financial abuse impacts seniors, reviewing predatory lending practices, examining undervalued property transfers, and analyzing deceptive telemarketing or online scams targeting older adults. The group is required to submit a final report with policy recommendations to state officials by December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Community College Training Incentive Program in Massachusetts to include both non-credit and credit-bearing courses. By amending existing state laws, the legislation allows students to receive financial incentives for completing a wider variety of training classes. The change directly affects community college students who wish to earn money for taking courses that lead to certificates or degrees. This update removes previous restrictions that limited the program to non-credit training only.

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 requires home inspectors to inform buyers and renters about potential pyrite or pyrrhotite issues in concrete foundations. It also mandates that anyone seeking a license to mine or produce concrete aggregate must submit a geological report and test results for these minerals. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to support the implementation of these new safety requirements.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2423) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to amend the charter of the city of Westfield. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received]

Maddy summaryThis bill expands warranty protections for wheelchairs in Massachusetts by updating state laws to cover a broader range of consumers, including those who lease devices or receive them through insurance. It defines key terms such as "consumer" to include lessees and individuals who did not pay out of pocket, while also clarifying what constitutes a "defective" product and listing "collateral costs" like rental fees and shipping as reimbursable expenses during repairs. The legislation ensures that manufacturers and dealers are held accountable for fixing or replacing wheelchairs that fail to meet safety and performance standards, providing clearer recourse for people with disabilities who rely on these mobility aids.