Sen. Peter Durant

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 allows the town of Ware to hire permanent full-time police and fire department members who are older than the usual state-mandated age limit. The town's selectboard, town council, or other appointing authority can approve these appointments as long as the candidates meet all other civil service requirements. Essentially, it gives the town flexibility to consider older applicants for these roles without violating existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Kenneth M. Antanavica to continue serving as the Police Chief of the Town of Leicester until April 30, 2028, or until he retires, is removed from office, or is no longer reappointed, whichever happens first. The law requires that he remain mentally and physically capable of performing his duties throughout this extended period. Additionally, the bill ensures he receives a retirement allowance equivalent to what he would have earned had he retired on April 30, 2025, without any further deductions to his salary.