Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Cybersecurity Control and Review Commission to develop and enforce cybersecurity standards for businesses and state agencies in Massachusetts. The commission will be led by state officials and include members appointed by the governor and the Massachusetts Municipal Association, with specific expertise required in healthcare, banking, utilities, and academia. Its primary duties involve creating sector-specific security guidelines based on national frameworks, accrediting businesses that meet these standards, and mandating that entities handling critical data or infrastructure comply with the rules. Additionally, the commission must submit confidential annual reports to legislative committees and release a public summary of its findings.
Sponsored bills
Senate, December 28, 2023 -- The committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 26) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to modernize state agency information technology systems; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 30) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to protect sensitive information from security breaches; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 31) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to regulate generative artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 32) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to cyber incident response; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 35) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect against cyber ransom; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 36) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish a Cybersecurity Control and Review Commission; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 37) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Michael J. Soter for legislation to protect the residents of the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 198) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to protect personal identifying information; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 66) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to cyberattack responses; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 76) of Tram T. Nguyen relative to protecting sensitive information from security breaches; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 77) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., that the Office of Information Technology consider cloud computing service options under certain circumstances; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 82) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to protect residents of the Commonwealth from the threat posed by certain foreign adversaries using current or potential future social media companies; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 84) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to electronic security for certain procurements involving electronic or cyber security equipment components, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2539).
Maddy summaryThis bill allows seniors aged 60 and older in Taunton to postpone paying their real estate property taxes if they meet specific income and residency requirements. To qualify, applicants must own and live in the property for at least five years, or be a surviving spouse inheriting the home, while also keeping their combined annual income below a limit set by the city's board of assessors. If approved, homeowners sign an agreement that records a lien on their property, ensuring that deferred taxes plus interest must be paid before the home can be sold or transferred, and heirs must settle these debts to inherit the property.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies and municipalities in Massachusetts from using public funds to purchase, install, or replace artificial turf fields that contain zinc, plastic, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after October 1, 2023. It directly affects government entities responsible for funding sports facilities and existing artificial turf fields across the state. While the law bans new contracts for these specific materials, it allows fields installed before the deadline to remain in use for their full lifespan without requiring immediate replacement. The legislation aims to restrict the use of artificial turf containing these substances in public projects while grandfathering in pre-existing installations.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the quahog as the official shellfish of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It achieves this by adding a new section to Chapter 2 of the state's General Laws, which formally recognizes the shellfish in the legal code. The measure directly affects state records and symbols by establishing the quahog as the state's representative shellfish.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to stop approving new projects that would release perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, into the air. The law defines PFAS as a broad class of persistent chemicals and places a temporary ban on any new structures or activities that generate emissions containing these substances. This restriction remains in effect indefinitely until both the federal Environmental Protection Agency and relevant state agencies establish specific standards for safe PFAS concentrations. The measure aims to limit public exposure to these chemicals by preventing their introduction through new construction or industrial activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes public agencies in Massachusetts to require Project Labor Agreements for specific construction projects. A Project Labor Agreement is a pre-hire contract that sets employment terms for all workers on a project, regardless of which union they belong to. Public agencies can choose to use these agreements on a case-by-case basis if they believe it will improve project efficiency, safety, and workforce development. The law defines key terms such as "construction," "labor organization," and "lead construction firm" to clarify how these agreements apply to public works. Ultimately, the bill gives government entities the discretion to decide whether to mandate these agreements based on the specific needs of each project.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Raynham to issue two additional licenses for selling alcohol to-go at specific locations within designated development zones. The new licenses are restricted to one business at 748 New State Highway and one on Broadway between Interstate-495 and Center Street, and they must be clearly marked as restricted. Unlike standard licenses, these permits cannot be transferred to a different address, and the town can only reissue them to new applicants if the previous license was returned to the authority. The act also requires that all taxes and fees be paid in good standing before a new applicant can receive a license under these specific conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state departments, agencies, and municipalities, including school districts, from entering into contracts to purchase or install artificial turf fields. While the law allows already installed fields to remain in use, it explicitly bans replacing existing natural grass fields with artificial turf. The legislation aims to restrict public funding for new artificial turf projects by preventing government entities from contracting for their purchase and installation.
Senate, December 19, 2022 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Pacheco) for the Senate Bill providing for a revised charter for the city of Taunton (Senate, No. 2939).