Sen. Ryan Fattman

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts gas laws to stop utility companies from passing the costs of connecting new customers to existing gas lines onto all ratepayers. Instead, the person requesting the new service must pay the full cost of the connection unless they can prove there is no technically feasible alternative to using natural gas or meet specific critical economic or industrial needs. The law requires the state energy department to consider climate goals and energy efficiency when approving gas rates and mandates that all utility tariffs be updated by July 2029 to reflect these new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Webster to issue a special liquor license to G.T. Legacy Group for their store at Pine View Plaza, allowing the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption. The legislation permits the town to grant this additional license despite existing state restrictions, provided the store maintains good standing with state tax and unemployment departments. If the current licensee stops operating or fails to renew the license, the town may issue a new one to a different applicant at the same location within three years. The license must be issued within three years of the bill becoming effective and cannot be transferred to a different address.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Oxford to issue two new licenses for businesses that sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, such as takeout or delivery. The new licenses will follow standard state rules but cannot be transferred to a different location, and they require proof that the business has paid all taxes and fees before approval. If a business stops using the license or fails to renew it, the town can reissue it to a new applicant at the same spot within three years. The town must issue these licenses within three years of the bill becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Oxford to remove a residency requirement for the town manager. Previously, the town manager had to become a resident within eight months of being appointed, but this provision is now being eliminated. The change directly affects the town's hiring practices and allows the town manager to serve without needing to live in Oxford. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other parts of the charter.

Maddy summaryThis amendment incorporates recommendations from the Foundation Budget Review Commission into the state's fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill. It directs the budget process to consider these recommendations when allocating funds to state agencies and programs. The bill does not create new laws but adjusts how budget decisions are made for the 2018 fiscal year.