Andrea Campbell

Stories

Massachusetts SJC upholds MBTA Communities Act again, opening door to more housing reforms

Enforced the act in two SJC cases; sued nine noncompliant towns in January 2026

Massachusetts's highest court upheld the MBTA Communities Act for the second time in September, rejecting the town of Marshfield's claims that the 2021 law violates home rule or is an unfunded mandate. The ruling locks in the state's power to require 177 MBTA-adjacent communities to zone for apartments and townhomes.

Updated Oct 19

Massachusetts bars debt collector who seized cars to coerce payments

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: In office since January 2023

Andrew Metcalf's debt collection business took cars — sometimes the consumer's only ride to work, and sometimes so old that state law exempted them from seizure. On Monday, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced a settlement that permanently bars Metcalf and his companies from collecting debt in the state.

Updated Sep 15

Notable Quotes

As Massachusetts residents continue to face rising costs, they should not be subject to aggressive and unlawful debt collection practices, like those Andrew Metcalf allegedly engaged in.

from Massachusetts bars debt collector who seized cars to coerce payments · Updated Sep 15

Because of this settlement, thousands of families in the Commonwealth will be provided with debt relief and these predatory companies will never be allowed to operate in Massachusetts again.

from Massachusetts bars debt collector who seized cars to coerce payments · Updated Sep 15