By Representative Fernandes of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2786) of Dylan A. Fernandes, Michelle M. DuBois and Mindy Domb for legislation to repeal the law providing for limitations on the growth of state tax revenues. Revenue.
By Representatives Fernandes of Falmouth and Diggs of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dylan A. Fernandes, Kip A. Diggs and others relative to establishing year-round daily commuter rail service to Cape Cod. Transportation.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require courts to order the immediate suspension of firearm licenses and the surrender of all guns and ammunition when a harassment prevention order is issued or extended. It applies specifically to defendants who have been found to pose an immediate danger of harassment, ensuring law enforcement takes possession of these items to prevent potential harm. The legislation also mandates that courts report these orders to the state's criminal justice information system and provides a process for defendants to request a quick review if they claim a firearm is needed for their job. Violating these surrender orders could result in fines or imprisonment, while the law allows surrendered weapons to be handled only by licensed dealers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners in Massachusetts to inform potential buyers and renters if their property is located in a flood zone. Sellers must provide a standardized disclosure form detailing past flood damage, insurance history, and federal aid requirements before accepting an offer or signing a lease. The law also mandates that real estate agents and landlords share any known information about flooding risks and includes penalties of up to $1,000 for failing to comply with these notification duties.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that asks the Governor to remove Justice Patricia A. Gorman from her position on the Dukes County Probate and Family Court. It does not change any laws or create new policies but instead serves as a formal request based on a petition filed by a citizen. The measure requires the consent of the Council before the Governor can act on the request. Ultimately, the bill functions as a political petition rather than a substantive legislative change.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the Department of Correction and local sheriffs provide free voice telephone services to all inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities, including jails and mental health units. The law requires these communication services to be available at all times, provided they do not disrupt educational programs or daily facility operations. Additionally, the bill ensures that both the incarcerated person and the recipient of the call incur no charges for these calls for a period of 90 days following the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts laws regarding sexual relations between young adults and minors to reduce criminal penalties in specific circumstances. It creates an exception where individuals are not prosecuted if they are no more than two years older than the minor and the minor is at least 13 years old. Additionally, the bill mandates that cases involving defendants under the age of criminal majority must be handled exclusively in juvenile court rather than adult court. Finally, it repeals an existing statute that previously addressed similar situations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4538) authorizes the town of Nantucket to transfer a specific parcel of land it currently holds for open space, recreation, or conservation purposes to the Nantucket Islands Land Bank. The transfer requires approval by the town of Nantucket through a vote. The land will continue to be used for conservation, recreation, or open space under the Land Bank's management. The bill directly affects Nantucket Town and the Nantucket Islands Land Bank by enabling this land transfer.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2511) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Julian Cyr, Dylan A. Fernandes and Susan L. Moran for legislation relative to dark money in local government. Election Laws.
