Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal option for Massachusetts municipalities to allow tenants to have the first opportunity to buy their rental homes if those homes are being sold due to foreclosure or other financial transactions. Under the proposed law, a tenant association representing at least 51% of the occupied units would be formed to negotiate a purchase directly with the property owner, provided the new owner commits to keeping the housing affordable for at least thirty years. The legislation defines specific terms such as "Housing Accommodation" and "Long-Term Affordable Housing" to ensure clarity and sets strict criteria for which properties and organizations can participate in this process. Ultimately, the bill empowers local communities to decide whether to implement this tenant protection measure, aiming to prevent displacement and maintain affordable housing stock.
Sponsored bills
By Ms. Moran, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2844) of Susan L. Moran (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Pembroke to issue one additional liquor license to South Shore Market and Deli. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for construction companies that build low- or moderate-income housing in Massachusetts. Contractors can claim the credit to offset state taxes based on the rent they pay for housing their workers, with a total annual limit of $10,000. The program aims to help workers afford housing while building affordable projects by reimbursing them for a portion of their living costs through the tax system. The Department of Housing and Community Development will determine which projects qualify, and the Department of Revenue will manage the application and payment process.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new property tax exemption for seniors in Massachusetts who meet specific income and residency requirements. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the property for ten years, and have income below a certain threshold. The exemption reduces property taxes by a percentage of the senior's income, up to a maximum of 50%, while also accounting for existing circuit breaker credits. Local officials will set an annual spending cap on the total amount of tax relief provided, which can range from 0.5% to 1% of the town's residential tax levy. If the cap is reached, the percentage of income used to calculate the tax reduction may be increased to ensure all eligible seniors receive the maximum possible benefit.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Massachusetts laws against wage theft by expanding the Attorney General's ability to take legal action on behalf of workers who have been underpaid. It allows the Attorney General to file civil lawsuits seeking lost wages and benefits, with a provision that successful workers receive triple the amount owed to them as compensation. The legislation also clarifies that violations of wage theft laws are criminal offenses rather than just civil matters and protects employees from retaliation if they report these violations. These changes aim to increase employer accountability and provide a more robust public enforcement mechanism for recovering unpaid wages.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands access to abortion care by broadening the definition of who can perform these procedures to include all licensed health care providers, not just physicians. It removes the requirement for a 24-hour waiting period and clarifies that conscientious objection is invalid if an abortion is necessary to save a patient's life and no other staff are available. The legislation also updates terminology throughout state laws to refer to "abortion-related care" and requires informed consent forms to be available in multiple languages.
By Ms. Moran, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2809) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Susan L. Moran for legislation relative to police reports involving railroad fatalities. The Judiciary.
By Representative Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David T. Vieira, Susan L. Moran and Steven George Xiarhos (by vote of the town) that the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to convey certain easements to the town of Bourne for subsurface waterline purposes. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to address controlling and abusive litigation, specifically targeting legal actions taken by individuals who have a history of abuse or harassment against a family or household member. The legislation defines such litigation as cases where the accuser has a prior court finding of abuse and is suing primarily to harass or intimidate the other party, often by making claims without legal basis or evidence. Key provisions allow courts to dismiss these specific types of lawsuits if the allegations are unsupported by law or facts, or if similar issues have already been decided unfavorably in previous court cases.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to the fees charged when individuals board a vessel, directly affecting travelers and maritime operators. The legislation seeks to adjust the revenue collected from these embarkation charges, though the specific new fee amounts or calculation methods are not detailed in the available text. The bill has passed through the Senate and is currently awaiting final approval from the House of Representatives.