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.
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.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 225) of Lydia Edwards and John F. Keenan for legislation to eliminate "grab-and-go" alcohol sales at large events. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summarySD 1657 restricts sports betting by banning in-play and proposition bets, requiring operators to conduct affordability assessments before allowing daily wagers exceeding $1,000 or monthly wagers over $10,000, and prohibiting operators from earning commissions based on wager amounts. The bill limits advertising for promotions like bonus offers, odds boosts, and risk-free wagers during televised sports events. It also mandates that operators share anonymized customer data with the state to support research on gambling addiction and develop harm-reduction strategies, including tracking player behavior and demographics. These changes directly affect sports betting operators and bettors within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new standards for school libraries across Massachusetts public, charter, private day, residential, and collaborative schools. It requires the state education department to adopt guidelines from the American Association of School Librarians and the Massachusetts School Library Association that ensure libraries are staffed by certified librarians, provide equitable access to resources, and support personalized learning. The standards mandate well-rounded book collections, information literacy instruction for all students, and integration of learning technologies into the curriculum. Additionally, the bill directs the department to conduct regular studies on library program implementation and report findings to the legislature every three years.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2158) of John F. Keenan and Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to municipal light plants to expand protection for other plant services, telecommunications and cable services. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., and Samantha Montaño relative to school library standards. Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a court-supervised outpatient treatment program for adults (18+) with severe mental illness who are at substantial risk of harm to self or others and unable to meet basic needs due to their condition, and who have a history of treatment non-adherence (including multiple hospitalizations or violent behavior). Authorized individuals - such as doctors, family members, or probation officers - can petition a court for a "critical community mental health service treatment plan," which must include supervision, medication, and assistance with housing, food, and other essentials. The court must determine this outpatient care is the least restrictive alternative before approving the plan, with initial orders limited to 180 days and renewals to 365 days. The program aims to prevent hospitalizations by providing structured community-based support.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1711) of John F. Keenan for legislation to require all state and county correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
