Sen. Peter Durant

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to ensure that individuals eligible for federal public housing assistance are not displaced or given lower priority than those eligible for such federal aid. It directly affects applicants for assisted housing in the state by establishing a specific rule regarding eligibility and priority. The key provision states that even if a state law or regulation suggests otherwise, anyone not qualifying for federal programs under 42 U.S.C. section 1436a must yield priority to those who do qualify. This change aims to align state housing allocation with federal eligibility standards without altering the broader structure of public housing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Sterling to hire retired police officers as special police officers to assist with law enforcement duties. Under the new rules, these retired officers must be under the age of 70 and pass a medical exam paid for by the officer themselves, but they are exempt from the maximum age limits that apply to active-duty officers. They will have the same arrest powers as regular officers and must follow department policies, though they are not subject to certain state laws regarding retirement benefits and collective bargaining agreements. Appointments will be made annually by the Select Board upon the Chief of Police's recommendation and can be revoked with fourteen days' written notice.

By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2323) of Peter J. Durant relative to permitting the manufacture and sale of sling shots. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow officially recognized Indian tribes to use their own representatives in state courts instead of hiring licensed attorneys. Under the proposal, tribal members representing their nation must submit an affidavit confirming they are not lawyers and have not passed the state bar exam to avoid violating existing rules against unauthorized legal practice. The measure explicitly limits these self-representation rights to matters involving the tribe as a whole, excluding individual tribal members from using this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to strengthen protections for parents who seek medical exemptions for school immunizations. It clarifies that a physician's decision to grant an exemption based on independent medical judgment regarding a child's health risks cannot be used against them for disciplinary action or employment consequences. The legislation also ensures that these medical exemption records remain confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside the school health program without parental consent. Additionally, the text reaffirms that children whose parents object to vaccines on religious grounds are not required to provide a medical certificate for school attendance.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2848) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to increase the rental income tax deduction. Revenue.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2849) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to increase the senior circuit breaker tax credit. Revenue.

By Representative Muratore of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2902) of Mathew J. Muratore and others relative to providing for an exemption from the motor vehicle excise tax for certain armed forces medal recipients. Revenue.

By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2784) of Peter J. Durant, Joseph D. McKenna and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to taxation of student loan repayments. Revenue.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2422) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.