Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' existing Bottle Bill to include more types of drinkable liquids and larger containers, aiming to increase recycling rates. It defines "beverage" to cover most liquids for human consumption while excluding items like milk, infant formula, and small-scale fruit juices, and it raises the size limit for eligible containers to 2.5 liters for non-carbonated drinks and 3 liters for carbonated ones. The legislation also updates the refund value for returned containers to $2.75 for smaller items and $3.75 for larger ones, while exempting dealers with businesses under 2,000 square feet from certain immediate payment rules. Additionally, it requires the state secretary to review handling fees and refund values every three years to ensure they meet specific recycling targets, such as recycling 65% of containers by 2025 and 95% by 2031.
Sen. Jo Comerford
Sponsored bills
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2388) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary halt on approving new or expanded gas infrastructure projects across Massachusetts until at least 2026. The measure specifically targets facilities that process, store, transmit, or distribute combustible fuels like natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. Under the new rules, regulators cannot grant permits for these projects unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. Additionally, the legislation prevents towns without existing gas service from digging up streets to build new fuel systems.
March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2388) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford and Natalie M. Blais for legislation to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2658).
By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2246) of James J. O'Day, Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to authorize attending physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying medication that will end the life of patients in a peaceful manner. Public Health.
March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 292) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Joanne M. Comerford and Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to the financial impact of charter schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 302) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to strengthen the evaluation process for proposed new charter schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 304) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the net school spending cap; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 320) of Michael O. Moore and Adam Scanlon for legislation relative to local approval for charter schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 321) of Susan L. Moran, Vanna Howard and James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure charter school transparency and public accountability; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 352) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to ensure the integrity of charter schools, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2662).
March , 2024 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 256) of John J. Cronin, Manny Cruz and John Barrett, III for legislation to create and expand student pathways to success; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Paul R. Feeney, Jacob R. Oliveira, Adam Scanlon, Susan Williams Gifford and other members of the General Court for legislation to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 297) of Edward J. Kennedy and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 306) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 334) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Jeffrey N. Roy and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 361) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 362) of John C. Velis and Kelly W. Pease for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2664).
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits food and retail establishments in Massachusetts from using polystyrene containers and food service ware starting August 1, 2024. It defines "disposable food containers" to include single-use items like plates, cups, and utensils used for serving or packaging food and beverages. Retailers will be banned from selling these polystyrene products to customers, while food establishments cannot dispense food in them. The law allows for a one-year deferment if a business can prove that using polystyrene is the only option and that switching would cause significant economic hardship. Violations of the ban could result in fines of up to $1,000 per incident, though the health department has the authority to grant extensions based on specific circumstances.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts election laws to explicitly include the title "governor's" when referring to the Governor's Councillor on official ballots. The change ensures that the position is clearly identified alongside other elected offices, such as congressman, to avoid confusion for voters. By updating specific sections of the state's general laws, the legislation standardizes how this role appears on election materials without altering the duties or powers of the office itself.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund for any lost revenue resulting from discounted or free fishing and hunting licenses. By amending existing state law, it ensures that the fund receives annual payments from the general fund to cover these specific financial shortfalls. The measure directly impacts the state's budget for wildlife conservation and affects the funding available for inland fisheries and game management programs.