Rep. Kip Diggs

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated fund managed by MassDOT to reduce pollution from road runoff and restore watersheds. It requires MassDOT to use fees from roadway projects, water quality grants, and environmental budget funds to retrofit road infrastructure (like culverts and drainage systems) with natural treatment systems (e.g., wetlands, vegetated swales) in impaired waterways. MassDOT must annually report on retrofitted sites, water quality improvements, and fund spending to environmental committees and the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill directly affects MassDOT’s transportation projects and local municipalities collaborating on watershed efforts.

Maddy summaryThe bill HD 2420 is currently a draft under review by House Counsel, with no finalized text or summary provided in the available context. As such, specific provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms cannot be described. Without completed legislative language, a factual summary of its content, scope, or intended impact is not possible at this time. The draft title suggests a focus on native plantings for environmental benefits, but no concrete details are accessible for analysis.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 899) specifically credits Lynn Turner, a Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System member, for her teaching service at Horace Mann Public Charter School in Barnstable from November 2009 to June 2010 toward her retirement benefits. It requires her to repay the retirement system the amount of regular deductions she would have paid during that period, plus buyback interest, before her retirement allowance becomes effective. The bill does not affect any other retirement benefits Lynn Turner may be eligible for. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the residency requirement for new firefighters in Massachusetts. It requires any firefighter hired after August 1, 1978 (who isn't covered by Chapter 31 rules) to live within 15 miles of their city or town of employment, measured from the closest borders of both locations. Cities or towns can increase this 15-mile limit through collective bargaining agreements under Chapter 150E. The law directly affects new firefighters hired by local fire departments after 1978.

By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Diggs of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3075) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Kip A. Diggs and others for the issuance of an annual proclamation by the Governor to designate the fourth of February as Rosa Parks day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Diggs of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kip A. Diggs relative to the Cotuit Fire District. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Senate, July 18, 2024 -- The committee on Revenue, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1781) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to embarkation fees; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2768) of Kip A. Diggs relative to the imposition of embarkation fees from ferry services operated within the Hyannis Fire District, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2873).

Senate, December 30, 2024 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to embarkation fees (Senate, No. 2873),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3016).

Maddy summaryThis law allows boats to be transported on public roads in Barnstable, Yarmouth, Hyannis, and Osterville without being limited by standard height and width rules. The exception applies only when a licensed boat hauler moves a vessel to or from a year-round marine service business within three miles of its original waterfront location. By overriding usual size restrictions for these specific trips, the bill aims to facilitate easier access for boat servicing businesses in these coastal towns.

By Representative Diggs of Barnstable and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kip A. Diggs and Julian Cyr relative to the transportation of marine vessels. Transportation.