Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill SD 1327 requires transportation agencies to align regional and statewide transportation plans with the state's emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction goals. It mandates that all transportation plans include 20-year emissions and VMT impact assessments, and that projects must incorporate localized "mitigation measures" (like transit expansions, active transportation infrastructure, or land-use changes) prioritized for communities directly affected by the project. The bill directly affects metropolitan planning organizations and state transportation agencies, requiring them to demonstrate compliance with existing emissions sublimits and VMT reduction targets set under Chapter 21N. These targets, established by the Secretary of Transportation, must be integrated into all transportation planning documents and public hearings.
Sen. John Keenan
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySD 987 establishes clear procedures for handling bed bug infestations in multi-unit rental housing (excluding single-family homes). It requires tenants to report infestations in writing and allow landlords access for treatment, while landlords must inspect within 5 business days, hire a certified pest control expert within 10 days, and notify surrounding units. Landlords must verify units are bug-free before leasing and are not liable for infestations if they follow the bill’s requirements. Tenants who interfere with treatment may face liability for damages, but the law limits landlord responsibility when proper steps are taken. The bill applies specifically to rental properties with multiple dwelling units.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law regarding public construction contracts by changing disclosure rules for contractor applications. It specifically removes financial information from being considered "public record" in applications for a certificate of eligibility and update statements, while keeping other application details public. The change directly affects contractors seeking public construction work who must submit these applications. The key mechanism is a precise textual amendment to two sections of Chapter 149, ensuring financial details remain confidential under the law.
Maddy summaryMassachusetts Bill SD 1573 establishes the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), providing rental assistance to low-income households (with 75% of vouchers targeted to households earning 30% or less of area median income) to help them afford decent, stable housing. The program sets payment standards at 100-110% of local market rent rates, limits tenant rent payments to 30% of income (with a temporary 40% exception), and requires unit inspections for safety compliance. It mandates annual data collection on voucher usage, including household demographics and location, to be reported to state legislators. The bill also sets a minimum $80 monthly administrative fee per voucher and ensures unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year.
Maddy summaryHD 3120 requires medical screenings in specific healthcare settings (such as primary care and mental health services) to include questions about gambling habits and frequency, directly affecting patients and healthcare providers conducting these screenings. It establishes a 13-member special commission with state health officials, gambling treatment experts, and representatives from health insurance and gaming organizations to study problem gambling. The commission will assess current research, review screening practices, develop educational materials, and recommend policies to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of gambling addiction. The commission must file annual reports, with the first due by June 30, 2026, and may propose new legislation based on its findings.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review Massachusetts' affordable housing efforts. The commission, consisting of three members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker (all with housing expertise), will assess the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance over the past five years specifically regarding affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities. The commission must complete its review within 30 days of the bill's effective date and submit a report with recommendations to the legislature within one year. This directly affects the Housing Finance Agency's operations and accountability for housing outcomes in designated gateway cities.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1011) of Liz Miranda for legislation to promote housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program. Housing.
Filed by Mr. Keenan -- Order relative to granting the committee on Election Laws until January 30, 2026 within which time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to election laws matters.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It directly affects disabled adults aged 18-62 with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (as set by HUD). The program offers mobile or project-based vouchers covering rent, with households paying 25-30% of their income (depending on utilities), while payments cannot exceed 120% of HUD's fair market rent for the unit size. Unspent funds from the designated budget line (7004-9030) carry over annually to support the program.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 961) of Brendan P. Crighton and John F. Keenan for legislation to provide upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults. Housing.