Rep. Justin Thurber

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Swansea to issue up to six additional licenses for on-premises alcohol sales (under Section 12 of Chapter 138) exclusively within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area, as defined in the town's zoning map. It restricts these licenses to eligible establishments in that specific zone, prohibits transferring them for five years, and requires applicants to prove tax compliance with the Department of Revenue and Division of Unemployment Assistance. The licenses remain subject to all standard state regulations under Chapter 138, except as modified by this bill. This directly affects Swansea businesses seeking new alcohol licenses in the designated redevelopment zone.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state law to require the Commonwealth to reimburse cities and towns for lost tax revenue when power plants within their borders close (decommission). It directly affects municipalities that experience reduced property tax income due to power plant shutdowns. The key provision adds a specific funding mechanism to the existing law, directing state funds to cover this loss without creating new taxes or programs. The reimbursement applies only to tax revenue directly tied to decommissioned power plants in a given city or town.

Maddy summaryThis bill directly affects Wendy Lopriore, a Massachusetts teachers' retirement system member, by requiring the retirement system to count her teaching service at Bristol Community College (July 1995-August 1997) toward her retirement benefits. It mandates that she repay the retirement deductions she would have paid during that period, plus interest, before her retirement allowance becomes effective. The bill specifically modifies how her past service is calculated for her superannuation retirement allowance under state law. This is a personal, non-general policy adjustment for one individual’s retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a real estate tax reduction of $1,000 per child for homeowners with minor children (including adopted children) enrolled in private schools. It directly affects Massachusetts homeowners who own and live in their property as their primary residence and pay private school tuition. The tax relief requires annual submission of proof of the child's enrollment to local assessors. The provision applies to real estate tax calculations under Chapter 59 of the General Laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Town of Somerset to grant one additional license for selling wine and malt beverages to be consumed off-premises at a specific location (2756 County Street). It overrides the town's usual limit on such licenses under Chapter 138 of the General Laws. The license must meet the town's requirements, cannot be moved to another location, and can only be reissued to a new owner at the same address if they provide proof of tax compliance. The license remains subject to all other rules in Chapter 138, including conditions set by the licensing authority.

Maddy summaryHD 578 establishes a new law in Massachusetts guaranteeing individuals the right to make informed choices about medical treatments, tests, procedures, and health information sharing without discrimination, coercion, or retaliation. It applies to all public entities (like government agencies and public facilities) and private entities providing services in public accommodations, education, employment, or healthcare. The law prohibits forcing medical interventions or penalizing people for refusing them, with exceptions only if an individual poses a direct threat to others after a strict, individualized assessment based on medical evidence. Violations allow individuals to sue for minimum $5,000 in compensatory damages per incident, injunctions, and attorney fees, with entities required to correct violations within 10 days of written notice.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to transition their medium- and heavy-duty truck fleets to battery electric vehicles. Starting July 1, 2025, all new purchases or leases must be battery electric trucks, with the entire fleet fully converted by June 30, 2035, unless infrastructure limitations or lack of suitable models prevent it. Agencies must annually report fleet details and justify any exceptions to using zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, the bill delays Massachusetts from implementing California's Advanced Clean Trucks regulations until at least July 1, 2027. The policy directly affects state agencies managing vehicle fleets and aims to reduce transportation emissions through fleet electrification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fundamental right to bodily autonomy for individuals and parents regarding health decisions for themselves and minor children. It prohibits requiring any health-related intervention (such as vaccinations, mask mandates, or genetic procedures) unless specifically exempted, including cases involving employment, education, or public services. Individuals harmed by violations can seek court orders, damages, or reinstated employment with back pay. Exceptions include drug/alcohol testing, certain job health requirements (excluding vaccinations), and legally mandated medical tests for driver's licenses.

Maddy summaryHD 635 prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering procedure vaccination for entry to public spaces, schools, or businesses. It directly affects the Commonwealth government, all public agencies, schools (including colleges), and private businesses by banning them from demanding such proof for entry, enrollment, campus access, or employment. Key provisions block vaccination requirements in public buildings, educational institutions, and private businesses, while also prohibiting places of public accommodation from requiring proof of vaccination for entry. The bill applies broadly across state law to prevent any entity from mandating vaccination proof as a condition of access or participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3074) caps annual property tax increases for qualifying senior homeowners in Massachusetts. It applies to Class One residential properties owned and occupied as a primary residence by residents aged 65+ who have lived in the state for 10 years and owned/occupied the property for 5 years. The cap limits annual tax increases to 2.5% (including special local tax overrides), preventing large yearly jumps. Local municipalities must approve the program through their selectmen, mayor, and city council before it applies to their residents.