Sen. Peter Durant

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a maximum limit on the state income tax rate. If adopted, it would prevent the state legislature from raising the income tax rate above a set cap without requiring another constitutional amendment. The measure would directly affect all individuals and businesses subject to the state income tax. The amendment must first pass the legislature and then be approved by voters to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 552) amends Massachusetts law to support municipal light plants during emergencies. It allows these plants to sell, rent, or lease equipment (like generators or tools) used for emergency mutual aid with other communities. It also ensures employees providing such emergency aid are covered under workers' compensation (Chapter 32), including the same rights as if performing regular duties. The changes directly affect municipal light plants and their workers during coordinated emergency responses.

Maddy summaryHD 1292 amends Massachusetts law to allow municipal light plants (local government-run electricity utilities) to provide services to other public utilities. Specifically, it authorizes municipal light boards to assist state, tribal, or other publicly-owned utilities with constructing, maintaining, and repairing infrastructure like poles, wires, streetlights, and traffic signals, both within and outside the Commonwealth. The bill also permits these municipalities to sell, rent, or lease related equipment and ensures employees working on such projects receive the same labor protections as regular municipal workers under Chapter 32. This expands collaboration between local and broader public utility entities while clarifying service boundaries.

By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. relative to lithium battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to establish buffer zones for battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 172) changes Massachusetts' Emergency Assistance shelter program rules. It prohibits individuals convicted or charged with violent felonies or sexual offenses (under Chapter 265) from continuing to receive shelter benefits while using the program, unless they get a written waiver from the program director. The key provision automatically blocks benefit eligibility for these individuals, removing a prior exception that allowed continued aid. This directly affects shelter users facing specific criminal charges under the state's violent crime statutes. The change takes effect immediately without requiring new legislation for each case.

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1669) of Peter J. Durant, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Joseph D. McKenna, Steven George Xiarhos and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to post-traumatic stress disorder in law enforcement officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1484) of Joanne M. Comerford, Mark C. Montigny, Danillo A. Sena, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor, Peter J. Durant and others for legislation to prevent false impersonation of a federal official. The Judiciary.

By Mr. Durant (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 0000) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James Cooke for legislation to allow individuals convicted of a second offense of operating under the influence to apply for a hardship license under certain conditions. Transportation.