Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax law to allow cities and towns to increase their local meal tax rate by up to 1.25% after obtaining voter approval. It directly affects local governments and residents who pay meal taxes, as it creates a new option for municipalities to raise revenue through this specific tax. The key mechanism is adding "1.25 per cent" to the existing tax rate structure in Chapter 64L, enabling future local ballot measures on meal tax increases. This is a procedural change enabling future local decisions, not an immediate tax hike.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to a municipal tax amnesty program. Revenue.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act. Housing.

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 640) of Mark C. Montigny, John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1145) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to regulating certain mortgages. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryHD 1359 restricts Massachusetts Commonwealth investment boards from making new investments in banks or financial institutions that have outstanding loans to private equity firms or real estate investment trusts (REITs) owning skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or hospices. It requires investment boards to conduct reviews considering risk, returns, and professional advice before such investments. The bill also mandates that when a skilled nursing facility or assisted living residence changes its name, its previous safety and disciplinary records must transfer to the new name and be publicly listed online by the department. This affects Commonwealth investment entities and facilities operating in healthcare sectors, aiming to limit financial ties to certain healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHD 3001 requires the state's pension fund (managing retirement savings for public employees) to identify and sell all investments in companies that manufacture, sell, or support weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) within 12 months of the law's effective date. The bill defines WMDs broadly to include nuclear, chemical, biological weapons, and related technologies under federal law. State agencies must also stop contracting with WMD-related companies and publicly report such contracts. The law exempts the pension fund from conflicting investment rules and provides legal protection for officials implementing the divestment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Loan Loss Guarantee Program, which provides state-backed guarantees covering up to 80% of eligible loan losses for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit/non-traditional lenders. The program prioritizes loans supporting microbusinesses, small businesses in low-income communities, Gateway Cities, minority-owned, women-owned, and socially/economically disadvantaged enterprises. It is funded through state appropriations, lender fees, private contributions, and other sources, with participating lenders required to offer technical assistance for improved risk management. The program requires annual reporting to the legislature and creates an advisory board with stakeholder representation to guide implementation.

Maddy summarySD 1398 expands protections for domestic animals by defining "cruel conditions" to include exposure to waste, lack of food/water, or inadequate weather protection, and explicitly includes livestock under "domestic animal." It imposes tiered fines for violations: up to $50 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, with possible animal impoundment or loss of ownership for repeat violations. The bill affects owners or keepers of all domestic animals, including livestock, by establishing clearer standards for animal care. Fines collected under this law must be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to designate at least 30% of its Wildlife Management Area lands as "Reserves" by January 1, 2030, maintaining this percentage as new lands are acquired. Reserves must be selected based on ecological criteria like old-growth forests, contiguous habitats, wetlands, and carbon storage capacity, and will be managed to preserve natural conditions with minimal human intervention. A new Scientific Advisory Council of eight environmental experts will oversee Reserve designations, submit biennial reports to the governor, and advise on management, while prohibiting new commercial infrastructure like solar farms, pipelines, or cell towers in Reserves (except for limited public facility upgrades with minimal environmental impact). The bill defines Reserves as protected areas for scientific research, habitat conservation, and carbon storage, banning resource extraction except for specific management needs like erosion control or invasive species removal.