Bill
H 3962
Massachusetts bill would require short-term rental listings to verify compliance with smoke/CO detectors and inspections, with mandatory inspections and fees, and enforcement by lo
Note: The document provided contains two distinct measures that appear to be combined in the same docket text. One is a Massachusetts bill titled the "Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act" that would amend state fire-safety and rental listing laws. The other is a South Carolina House resolution congratulating Cardinal Newman School’s wrestling team on its 2025 SCISA Class 4A championship. Both are summarized below.
Purpose
- To improve smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance and inspection requirements for short‑term rental properties, and to require rental agents/platforms to verify compliance before listing units.
Key provisions
- Fee cap for annual inspections: The first paragraph of G.L. c.148, §10A is amended to state inspection fees for short‑term rentals (as defined in G.L. c.64G, §1) shall not exceed $100 per unit and $500 for a building with six or more units.
- Mandatory inspections: Adds G.L. c.148, §26J requiring that any building or unit occupied in whole or part as a short‑term rental (and not already regulated under §§26A–26C) be inspected within one year prior to renting for compliance with approved smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (per §§26E and 26F1/2).
- Enforcement: The head of the local fire department is designated to enforce §26J.
- Listing verification: Adds G.L. c.186, §32 requiring rental/real estate agents and listing platforms/websites to confirm before advertising that a unit (i) complies with G.L. c.148, §26J and (ii) possesses a valid certificate of compliance for smoke and CO detectors dated within one year.
- Rulemaking: The Division of Fire Safety (Department of Fire Services) may promulgate regulations to implement the act.
- Name: The measure would be known as the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act.
Who is affected
- Short‑term rental owners and operators, tenants, local fire departments, rental/real‑estate agents, and listing platforms (e.g., websites/apps).
- Buildings already regulated under existing sections 26A–26C are excluded from §26J’s scope.
Procedural/timeline notes (from docket)
- Filed: 01/17/2025 (House Docket No. 4242 / House No. 3962)
- Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security: 03/31/2025
- Hearing scheduled: 05/07/2025 (1:00–5:00 PM, A‑2)
- Sponsors: multiple legislators listed; petition presented by Rep. Hadley Luddy and Sen. Julian Cyr.
- Effect: If enacted, inspection frequency and pre‑listing verification requirements take effect as statutory law; regulations may follow by the Division of Fire Safety.
Purpose
- A ceremonial resolution adopted by the South Carolina House of Representatives to celebrate and congratulate Cardinal Newman School’s wrestling team for winning the 2025 SCISA Class 4A State Championship.
Key points
- Championship details: Won the SCISA Class 4A title at Ben Lippen School on Feb 1, 2025; final team score reported as 52–30; this is Cardinal Newman’s 11th state title and second consecutive championship.
- Recognition of coach: Coach Cole McCarter earned his sixth state championship (four as a wrestler, two as head coach).
- Action: The House adopted the resolution and directed that a copy be presented to Principal Charles Assey and Coach Cole McCarter.
- Status/dates: Introduced and adopted 02/12/2025 (filed as a house resolution).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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