Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the existence of the Citizens Commission, which reviews constitutional amendment proposals, until December 31, 2028. It adds specific rules for filling vacancies on the Commission: appointing authorities must fill vacancies within 30 days by selecting from prior applicants or new applicants, and must publicly post the appointment details. The bill directly affects the Commission’s operations and the process for selecting its members. It makes no substantive changes to constitutional amendment procedures, only clarifying the Commission’s timeline and vacancy management.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts' HD 683 is a symbolic resolution supporting Washington, D.C. statehood. It states the Commonwealth opposes federal interference with D.C.'s local governance (like disapproving local laws or restricting tax revenue) and urges Congress to admit D.C. as a state. The resolution directly addresses the 700,000+ D.C. residents who lack voting representation in Congress despite paying federal taxes and serving in the military. It does not change laws but formally expresses Massachusetts' position on a long-standing issue.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts' HD 248 is a legislative resolution calling on Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. The resolution seeks to affirm that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (not corporations) and to allow limits on political spending to protect election integrity. If Congress does not act within six months, the resolution becomes a formal petition requesting a limited constitutional convention under Article V. This would require 33 other states to join similar requests before Congress convenes the convention, focusing specifically on campaign finance and corporate rights issues stemming from Supreme Court rulings like *Citizens United*.

Maddy summaryHD 1090 creates a new dental therapist license to expand access to preventive dental care, particularly for underserved groups including children, elderly patients, and residents in areas with limited dental services. Dental therapists must complete accredited education, pass a clinical exam, and work under a collaborative agreement with a supervising dentist to provide services like preventive care and administer non-narcotic medications. Public schools are required to notify parents about oral health screenings and connect them with affordable care resources through standardized notices. The bill also updates reimbursement rules for dental therapists and directs the dental director to support recruitment of providers focusing on underserved populations.

Maddy summaryHD 2945 modifies a climate demonstration project to require cities and towns to meet stricter housing affordability standards before joining. It raises the required housing affordability threshold from 10% to 20% under Chapter 40B of state law, or mandates that municipalities adopt zoning allowing multi-family housing without age restrictions for families with children. This applies to all municipalities seeking participation in the program, with exceptions for those already meeting the 10% threshold by December 21, 2020. The bill directly affects local governments aiming to participate in the climate initiative.

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 summarySD 1109 establishes a pilot program making MBTA bus service free for all riders on designated routes, starting no later than December 31, 2026. The MBTA pilot must include at least 10 priority routes (with specific requirements for routes ending at commuter rail/subway stations or depots) and 10 high-ridership routes from 2020, while Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) must implement a similar free bus pilot on at least one high-ridership route. An advisory group for each pilot will monitor impacts on ridership, equity, system efficiency, and costs, holding quarterly public meetings and reporting findings every six months. The program is structured as a one-year test to evaluate the feasibility and effects of fare-free bus service before potential broader implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 2305) requires Massachusetts gas distribution and transmission companies to develop and submit detailed "just transition" plans to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must ensure workforce retention, training, and safety during the shift to clean energy, including maintaining staffing levels as of January 1, 2025 (except through negotiated early retirement), and outlining how companies will train workers for renewable energy roles. Companies must report on workforce development, cross-training, pension solvency, and measures to prevent job displacement through 2050 or until gas pipeline retirement. The bill directly affects all gas companies operating in Massachusetts and mandates compliance with new service quality standards for safety, reliability, and workforce transition.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Massachusetts maintains voter registration lists. It replaces automatic removal of voters after two years of inactivity with a new "inactive voters list" system. Registrars must send voters a notice if their address appears outdated, giving them 2 years to confirm continued residency by voting, returning a notice card, or submitting written affirmation. Voters on the inactive list can restore their status without penalty during this period. The bill directly affects residents whose addresses may no longer match registration records, ensuring they aren't removed without opportunity to verify eligibility.