Rep. Hadley Luddy

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus in the Town of Eastham, overriding existing state laws that typically grant the Department of Agriculture regulatory authority. The only exceptions allowed are for commercial farming operations and the residential application of organic fertilizers with low nitrogen and phosphorus levels specifically for growing fruits and vegetables. By restricting these inputs, the legislation aims to control pollutant runoff within the town while maintaining limited agricultural capabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Chatham to appoint three associate members to its Conservation Commission for terms of up to one year. These associate members can serve as substitutes for regular commissioners when they are absent, unable to act, have a conflict of interest, or when a vacancy occurs. The existing chairman of the commission is authorized to designate which associate member fills these temporary roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus in the Town of Wellfleet to protect local water quality from harmful algae growth. The law specifically targets these nutrients because Wellfleet's sandy soil allows them to quickly leach into fresh and salt waters, threatening drinking supplies and recreational areas. An exception is made for commercial agriculture and residential gardening, which may use organic fertilizers with low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. By restricting these inputs, the measure aims to help the town meet state-mandated pollution limits for its waterways.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust Fund in Provincetown to explicitly include year-round ownership opportunities alongside rental housing. By changing the fund's name to the Year-Round Market Rate Housing Trust Fund, the legislation broadens its scope to support both renting and buying homes for residents. The changes also update the board structure to include two alternates and clarify that the fund can address both rental and ownership needs. These adjustments allow the town to use the trust fund for a wider range of housing solutions without altering its core funding or operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Provincetown to collect a 0.5% fee on the purchase price of real estate transactions valued at $1 million or more. The fee is the responsibility of the buyer and must be paid directly to the town at the time of the transfer, with funds split equally between two housing trust accounts. Several exemptions apply, including transfers to family members, government entities, and first-time homebuyers who commit to living in the home for five years. If the fee is not paid, the buyer will owe interest and face legal action to recover the debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a property tax exemption for homeowners in the town of Wellfleet, allowing them to exclude up to 35 percent of their home's assessed value from taxation. The exemption applies specifically to a taxpayer's principal residence or a year-round home occupied by a Wellfleet resident, with the town responsible for defining who qualifies as a resident. To receive this benefit, property owners must submit a written application to the town's board of assessors by the standard deadline, and the final tax bill cannot reduce the property's taxable value below 10 percent of its full worth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Telecommunications to work with cell carriers to identify infrastructure needs for universal cellular coverage. It directs the department to locate public land (owned by state or municipalities) that could be leased or sold at low cost to carriers for new towers in coverage gaps, or to purchase land if needed. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2030, for all residents to access cellular service, and mandates a 2026 report detailing the plan and progress. It directly affects residents in areas with poor coverage and cell carriers building new infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus in the Town of Orleans, except for certified organic fertilizers approved under USDA standards for growing fruits and vegetables. It directly affects residents, homeowners, and commercial agricultural operations within Orleans by restricting most fertilizer applications. The key provision bans nitrogen/phosphorus fertilizers to improve local water quality, addressing concerns about algae growth that harms drinking water, shellfishing, and recreation. The law aims to help Orleans meet Massachusetts' state water quality standards (TMDLs) for nitrogen and phosphorus.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal poet laureate position for Massachusetts. The governor appoints a poet laureate every two years from three nominees selected by a committee composed of legislative leaders, governor appointees, and the Massachusetts Center for the Book. The poet laureate's duties include promoting poetry appreciation, especially among school children, and may receive a stipend funded by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. The position is procedural, creating a structured appointment process without altering existing laws or regulations.