By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative applied behavioral analysis reimbursement rates. Financial Services.
This Massachusetts bill (H 4979) updates consumer protections for used car buyers. It establishes mileage-based warranty periods: 90 days/3,750 miles for cars under 50,000 miles, 60 days/2,500 miles for 50k-100k miles, and 30 days/1,250 miles for 100k-200k miles. The bill also increases dealer bond requirements from $25,000 to $50,000 and mandates new 10-day written notices for defaults in car financing agreements, giving buyers 21 days to cure defaults before repossession. These changes directly affect consumers purchasing used vehicles and dealerships operating under Massachusetts law.
H 4980 modernizes rules governing relationships between motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors in Massachusetts to strengthen consumer protections. It directly affects dealers by limiting manufacturers’ ability to force facility relocations, remodels, or vendor choices without written agreements and fair notice. Key provisions include requiring 60 days’ advance notice for territory changes (with dealer appeal options), prohibiting misuse of dealer customer data (including mandatory indemnification for data breaches), and restricting manufacturers from unreasonably altering dealer facilities or vendor requirements. The law aims to prevent unfair business practices while ensuring dealers can operate without undue pressure from manufacturers.
H 4983 changes the law to allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption starting at 8:00 AM on Sundays, instead of the current 10:00 AM. This directly affects businesses that serve alcohol in dining or drinking establishments on Sundays. The key provision is amending the General Laws to adjust the Sunday sales start time by two hours earlier. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter other alcohol service restrictions.
This bill requires manufacturers of portable wireless devices (like cell phones) sold in Massachusetts to provide independent repair shops with necessary documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms" - meaning the same cost and access they offer to their own authorized repair shops. It specifically prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to use proprietary formats for repair information if standardized formats are available on better terms. The law does not require manufacturers to provide discontinued parts or reveal trade secrets, and it limits liability for manufacturers regarding repairs performed by independent shops. This directly affects independent repair businesses and device owners seeking affordable, non-manufacturer repairs within the Commonwealth.
This bill requires towing facilities to notify both vehicle owners and lienholders (such as banks with a financial claim on the car) about storage costs within 7 days of towing. If the owner or lienholder doesn't respond within 21 days, the vehicle can be sold after 60 days with written notice and a public sale. Towing facilities must send this notice by registered mail and detail storage charges, with proceeds covering costs before any remaining funds being held by the court for the owner or lienholder. The law aims to ensure transparency in towing and storage fees for those with a financial stake in the vehicle.
H 4974 requires contractors working on public construction projects costing over $10 million to hire registered apprentices, phasing in minimum apprentice-hour requirements: 5% after one year, 10% after three years, and 15% after four years. It mandates that contractors maintain approved apprentice training programs and register apprentices with the state, while allowing limited waivers for specific trades if qualified bidders aren't available. The bill also establishes a new commission to study apprenticeship programs and expands a high school career pathway program for building/transportation careers. These requirements apply to all public works projects, contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies involved in qualifying construction contracts.
Order relative to authorizing the committee on Financial Services to make an investigation and study of a certain House document relative to establishing a Massachusetts Baby Bonds program
H 4978 requires cosmetology and barbering schools to include at least one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training in their curricula for students. It mandates the state to provide a free online training program for licensed cosmetologists and barbers, and requires shops, schools, and mobile businesses to display a multilingual sign (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages as recommended) with a 24/7 hotline for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and forced labor. The bill also provides legal immunity to licensees, students, or employers who act in good faith regarding suspected domestic violence or sexual assault after completing the required training.
H 4912 proposes creating the Accessibility in the Creative Economy (ACE) grant program, which would establish a dedicated fund administered by the Office on Disability. The program would provide financial support to for-profit, non-profit, and public arts, humanities, and interpretive science organizations across Massachusetts to make physical and programmatic improvements - such as installing ramps, assistive listening systems, or accessibility training - to remove barriers for people with disabilities. A new ACE Commission, requiring majority representation from people with disabilities, would set grant criteria, prioritize racial and geographic diversity, and oversee funding distribution on a competitive basis. The bill is pending in committee and would require the Office on Disability to report annually on fund usage and grant recipients.
H 4994 requires public agencies to mandate that contractors for public construction projects exceeding $10 million in cost must include registered apprentices in their workforce. Specifically, it sets increasing minimums: starting at 5% of total hours for each trade in 2026, rising to 10% in 2027, and 15% by 2028, all performed by apprentices in programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards. Contractors must register apprentices with this division and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies may grant limited exemptions for specific trades if no qualified bidder with an apprentice program is available, but must document and report these exemptions. The bill directly affects public agencies, construction contractors, and subcontractors working on large public projects.
H 4749 establishes a 13-member commission to study financial abuse of Massachusetts elders aged 60+ and develop policy recommendations. The commission includes representatives from both legislative chambers, elder advocacy groups, Councils on Aging, real estate associations, and financial institutions like banks and credit unions. It will specifically examine abusive lending practices, exploitative property transfers, and scams targeting seniors through telemarketing or online channels. The commission must submit a final report with policy proposals to relevant legislative committees by December 31, 2026. This bill creates a study body but does not enact new laws or funding.
