Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts gas laws to stop utility companies from passing the costs of connecting new customers to existing gas lines onto all ratepayers. Instead, the person requesting the new service must pay the full cost of the connection unless they can prove there is no technically feasible alternative to using natural gas or meet specific critical economic or industrial needs. The law requires the state energy department to consider climate goals and energy efficiency when approving gas rates and mandates that all utility tariffs be updated by July 2029 to reflect these new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officer Richard Kassiotis in the town of Middleton to continue working until he turns 67, rather than retiring at age 65. To ensure he remains fit for duty, the town's select board can require annual medical exams at the town's expense, and he must be mentally and physically capable of performing his job. Additionally, the bill stops any further deductions from his salary after age 65 and guarantees he receives a full retirement benefit if he retires at age 67.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Newbury to create local rules limiting the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on private property within its borders. It allows residents and property owners in Newbury to implement restrictions on these specific rodenticides, which are commonly used for pest control. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing, enabling the town to address local concerns about these chemicals without waiting for broader state-level changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Middleton's conservation commission to modify an existing land protection agreement originally granted by Monastiero Consulting Services, LLC. To resolve a previous violation, the legislation allows for the release of approximately 38,000 square feet of land from the current restriction while simultaneously requiring the town to accept a new conservation restriction on a separate 9.33-acre parcel. This exchange ensures that the total amount of protected land remains unchanged, and the bill mandates that the original landowner covers all associated costs for surveys, legal work, and documentation. Once passed, the original conservation agreement will continue to apply to all remaining land except the specific portion that was released.

Maddy summaryThis amendment incorporates recommendations from the Foundation Budget Review Commission into the state's fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill. It directs the budget process to consider these recommendations when allocating funds to state agencies and programs. The bill does not create new laws but adjusts how budget decisions are made for the 2018 fiscal year.