Sen. Mark Montigny

By Representatives Cabral of New Bedford and Hendricks of New Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Antonio F. D. Cabral, Christopher Hendricks and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System to grant credible service to Kellie Martin. Public Service.

By Representatives Cabral of New Bedford and Hendricks of New Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mark C. Montigny, Antonio F. D. Cabral and Christopher Hendricks that a pedestrian overpass spanning state Route 18 in the city of New Bedford be designated as the Andre Lopes Korean War veteran overpass. Transportation.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4201) of Antonio F. D. Cabral, Mark C. Montigny and Christopher Hendricks (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of New Bedford be authorized to employ a non-resident as the administrative assistant to the board of assessors of said city. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis law, known as Ollie's Law, strengthens regulations for commercial kennels and boarding facilities to improve animal safety and public oversight. It requires these businesses to obtain licenses that are contingent on passing inspections, limits the number of animals allowed based on facility capacity, and mandates annual reviews of license fees and terms. The bill also establishes a formal process for citizens to petition local officials if a kennel causes a nuisance, such as excessive barking, and requires the state to create detailed rules covering staff training, injury reporting, and emergency planning. Additionally, kennels must maintain records of all dogs in their care and face specific fines for operating without a license or after a license has been revoked.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the Massachusetts commuter tax deduction to help individuals offset rising transportation costs. It allows taxpayers to deduct expenses for tolls paid via Fast Lane or monthly transit passes for MBTA services, with a new annual deduction limit of $1,000 per person after a $150 threshold. Additionally, the bill permits an extra 10 percent deduction for those purchasing weekly or monthly commuter rail passes, capping this additional benefit at $500 per individual. The changes apply to single filers, heads of households, and married couples filing separately or jointly, while excluding any amounts reimbursed by employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory expiration date, known as a "sunset provision," for various state tax incentives in Massachusetts, including credits for film production, life sciences, and historic rehabilitation. It requires that all existing tax incentives expire one year after the law passes unless the legislature explicitly reauthorizes them, and any future tax credits must include an expiration date no later than three years after they begin. To ensure these programs remain effective, the bill directs the state Inspector General to review each incentive annually based on criteria such as job creation, revenue impact, and whether it meets its original policy goals before recommending whether to continue, amend, or eliminate the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to help low-income homeowners pay their water and sewer bills. To qualify, households must already be eligible for the existing Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program will use the same application process and agencies as the energy assistance program, with a limit of 25 percent of a household's annual water and sewer bill covered by the grant. Funds are subject to annual state appropriations, and recipients must agree to cooperate with local water conservation efforts.

By Representative Straus of Mattapoisett and Senator Montigny, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4159) of William M. Straus and Mark C. Montigny (by vote of the town) relative to providing for an alternate member of the finance committee in the town of Mattapoisett. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Mattapoisett to appoint two alternate members to its Conservation Commission for staggered terms of up to three years. These alternates can be called upon by the Commission Chair to fill in when regular members are absent, unable to serve, or have a conflict of interest, and they can also serve temporarily until a vacancy is officially filled. The law specifically applies to the town of Mattapoisett and modifies existing state rules to enable this local flexibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Flexible Supportive Housing Subsidy Pool Program to provide sustainable funding for permanent supportive housing aimed at individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. The program creates a centralized system where cities and care networks can access funds to combine long-term rental assistance with supportive services for those facing long-term or repeated homelessness. By requiring the use of a coordinated assessment system, the legislation ensures that eligible participants are efficiently referred to housing resources funded through a mix of federal and state resources.