By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William F. MacGregor for legislation to regulate social media feeds. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1244) requires property owners and lessees to file certain property valuation forms electronically with their local board of assessors, as specified by the board. It directly affects individuals and entities responsible for submitting forms under sections 5, 5C, 29, 38D, 38F, 59, or 61A of Chapter 59. The key provision mandates that filings must follow the board's prescribed electronic format and medium, and failure to comply without "reasonable cause" (like circumstances beyond their control) means the filing is not accepted. This replaces previous filing methods with an electronic requirement for specified property valuation documents.
Maddy summaryHD 507 extends Massachusetts' prevailing wage requirements to offsite fabrication work for public construction projects. It requires contractors to pay prevailing wages for prefabricated items like pipes, electrical systems, or modular units made offsite, and to include specific payroll details in weekly reports (e.g., facility location, worker names, hours, and wages). This applies to all public projects covered by existing wage laws, ensuring offsite manufacturing work meets the same labor standards as on-site construction. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryHD 1706 prevents landlords from evicting tenants solely due to having a pet during a state of emergency (unless the pet causes harm), and bans breed-based restrictions in housing rules, condo bylaws, and tenant screening. It limits additional rent for common household pets to 1% of monthly rent per dog or cumulatively for other pets, while exempting service animals. The bill also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums based on dog breed, except for designated dangerous dogs. These changes apply to residential landlords, housing authorities, and insurers, aiming to reduce pet-related housing barriers.
By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 430) of William F. MacGregor relative to modernizing charitable organization fundraising opportunities. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryH 5032 requires that for public construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding $10 million in cost, contractors and subcontractors must ensure at least 15% of labor hours for each trade are performed by registered apprentices. This applies to all public works projects (like schools or roads) and directly affects construction companies bidding on such projects. Contractors must use apprentice programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards and maintain required apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios. Public agencies can exempt specific trades only after proving no qualified bidders with apprenticeship programs are available, with strict documentation requirements. The bill does not apply to projects under $10 million or exempt entire projects unless documented per trade.
Maddy summaryH 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.
Maddy summaryH 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.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to explicitly include police dispatchers and 911 operators under critical incident intervention programs for emergency service providers. It directly affects these communication professionals by expanding their coverage under current protections. The key mechanism is a simple textual addition to Section 20O of Chapter 233, inserting "police dispatcher or 911 operator" after "firefighter" in the law. No new requirements or funding are introduced - only a clarification of who is covered.
Maddy summaryHD 3241 requires Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to maximize in-person visitation for incarcerated individuals by mandating specific schedules: at least two daily visiting periods (one at least four hours long), an eight-hour weekend visit, and a four-hour holiday visit. It prohibits facilities from limiting visitor numbers, excluding visitors based on criminal history, community involvement, or religious practices, or restricting physical contact like hugging during visits. The bill also mandates accommodations for children (with designated areas and activities), reasonable dress code policies respecting cultural/religious needs, and written justifications with appeal options for any visitation restrictions. Facilities must ensure visitation does not decrease below 2025 baseline levels and must exhaust all means to meet the schedule.
