SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1389        FILED ON: 1/16/2015

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 212

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Eileen M. Donoghue

_________________

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing the MassMade Program.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

Eileen M. Donoghue

First Middlesex

Josh S. Cutler

6th Plymouth

James B. Eldridge

Middlesex and Worcester

Kathleen O'Connor Ives

First Essex


SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1389        FILED ON: 1/16/2015

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 212

By Ms. Donoghue, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 212) of Eileen M. Donoghue, Josh S. Cutler, James B. Eldridge and Kathleen O'Connor Ives for legislation to establish the MassMade Program.  Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court
(2015-2016)

_______________

 

An Act establishing the MassMade Program.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Chapter 23A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 64 the following section:-

Section 65. (a) The MOBD shall establish the MassMade Program. The purpose of the program shall be to identify, compile, and promote business entities that are headquartered and produce consumer products in Massachusetts. The MOBD shall create a website which shall offer an online directory of commonwealth business entities and consumer products and which shall be freely accessible to the public. The website shall serve (1) as a marketing tool by providing business information, product descriptions, contact information, and website details; and (2) as a resource for consumers by offering search capabilities for consumer products based on criteria including, but not limited to, product type, retailers, business locations, and product price.

(b) Participation in the MassMade Program shall be free for business entities in the commonwealth seeking to join and be listed; provided, however, that the MOBD shall establish certain qualifications and standards for participation. A selection process shall be in place to ensure that high quality Massachusetts products, from reliable producers, are part of the Program. Furthermore, through an application process, companies shall show adequate production capabilities and sound customer service practices appropriate for their level of participation in the Program. The MOBD shall promulgate rules and regulations relative to ensure a fair and equitable application process.

(c) The Massachusetts office of business development may expend such funds as may be appropriated therefor, and may accept federal funds, or private gifts and grants to assist it in carrying out the purposes as set forth in this section.