Sen. Pat Jehlen

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to give local community development corporations and other eligible nonprofit groups the right to purchase foreclosed multi-family buildings before they are sold to banks or auctioned. It directly affects lenders, property owners, and community organizations by requiring them to offer these properties to qualified local groups first, provided the groups can match the highest bid received. The legislation defines specific types of organizations that qualify, such as tenant associations and housing authorities, and mandates that any purchase must be used for long-term affordable housing with recorded restrictions. By creating this priority purchase option, the bill aims to keep multi-family residential properties in the hands of local entities dedicated to preserving or creating affordable housing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by requiring retail establishments to charge a fee for them. Retailers, which include grocery stores, restaurants, and mobile vendors, must offer reusable bags or recycled paper bags as alternatives to plastic film bags. The legislation defines specific standards for these alternatives, such as requiring recycled paper bags to contain a minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled material and be labeled as recyclable. Additionally, the law establishes definitions for terms like "reusable bag" and "single-use plastic bag" to ensure consistent application across different types of businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the distribution and application of neonicotinoid pesticides in Massachusetts to protect pollinators like bees and butterflies. It defines neonicotinoids as a specific class of chemicals that can harm these insects when present in pollen and nectar. Under the law, these pesticides cannot be sprayed on any property, and their sale is only allowed for treated nursery plants that must carry clear labels warning of risks to non-target organisms. The restrictions on general use and spraying take effect on January 1, 2024, while the labeling requirements for treated plants begin on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts corporate tax law to penalize companies where the pay of their top executives is more than 100 times the average pay of their lowest-paid workers. Effective in 2025, businesses that meet this high pay ratio threshold would face an additional 2% tax on their net income. The rule applies to both financial institutions and publicly held corporations, aiming to address large disparities between executive and worker compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to review and redesign Massachusetts' current system for evaluating schools and students. The commission will examine existing laws, explore alternative assessment methods like projects and portfolios, and consider ways to make accountability measures less dependent on student demographics. Its members will include education officials, legislative leaders, and representatives from various community organizations, who must hold at least eight public hearings before submitting recommendations. The final report, due by December 31, 2022, will include proposed changes to state laws and draft legislation to implement the new system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law that generally prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of ivory and rhinoceros horn with the intent to sell. The legislation defines specific terms like "ivory" and "rhinoceros horn" and establishes that owning these items in a retail or wholesale setting is considered prima facie evidence of intent to sell, unless an exemption applies. Several exceptions are included for law enforcement activities, federally authorized actions, musical instruments containing less than 200 grams of ivory, and certain antique items or manufactured goods where the ivory makes up less than 50 percent of the item's value or volume. These rules aim to restrict the commercial trade of these materials while allowing for limited legitimate uses and historical collections.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new task force called the Pesticide Control Modernization and Environmental Protection Task Force to study how Massachusetts regulates pesticides. The group will be led by state agency heads and include twenty additional members representing diverse interests such as farmers, environmentalists, beekeepers, and consumer protection advocates. Their main job is to review current laws and suggest improvements to better protect public health and the environment from harmful pesticide effects. The task force will examine the structure of the existing Pesticide Board, its ability to work with other agencies, and how well current licensing and education programs promote safe pesticide use. Ultimately, the bill creates a formal process for gathering expert input before any changes are made to pesticide control policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act, which creates a legal process for terminally ill adults to request medication to end their lives. To qualify, an individual must be diagnosed with a terminal disease, have a life expectancy of six months or less, and be mentally capable of making an informed decision after consultations with two physicians and a mental health professional. The legislation outlines strict safeguards, including waiting periods and specific criteria for determining that the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric disorder that could impair their judgment. Once these requirements are met, a licensed health care provider may prescribe the medication for the patient to self-administer.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to clarify the roles and powers of tree wardens who manage public shade trees in towns and cities. It grants wardens the authority to appoint deputies, set local regulations for tree care, and approve the planting of trees on public streets. The legislation also defines specific conditions under which wardens can trim or remove small trees and bushes without a hearing, such as when they are deemed hazardous or obstructing travel. Additionally, the bill establishes fines for violations of tree protection rules and sets a qualification requirement for wardens in municipalities with more than 10,000 residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal category for cottage food operations, allowing individuals to sell specific non-perishable foods like baked goods and jams from their home kitchens without needing a state or local health license. It exempts these home-based producers from most standard food establishment rules, such as inspections and complex packaging requirements, while still mandating that they provide clear labels or disclosures about the product's origin and ingredients to consumers. The legislation establishes a voluntary registry where operators can obtain a personal identification number to use on labels instead of their home address, but it explicitly states that these businesses remain subject to all applicable state and federal tax laws. Additionally, the bill ensures that local health boards retain the authority to investigate reported foodborne illnesses and can offer voluntary assistance or inspections upon request.