Rep. Chris Hendricks

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance and health laws to improve pain management and substance use disorder treatment for public employees and medical professionals. It requires group insurance plans for state workers to cover non-opioid pain treatments, such as acupuncture and behavioral therapy, without needing prior approval, and mandates that opioid reversal drugs and recovery coach services be fully covered with no deductibles or copayments. Additionally, the legislation mandates that doctors and pharmacists complete specific training on non-opioid pain alternatives and overdose prevention, while requiring pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of opioid antagonists.

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2220) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to the Department of Public Health establishing a statewide coordinated stroke care system. Public Health.

By Representatives Cabral of New Bedford and Hendricks of New Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Mark C. Montigny, Antonio F. D. Cabral and Christopher Hendricks that a pedestrian overpass spanning state Route 18 in the city of New Bedford be designated as the Andre Lopes Korean War veteran overpass. Transportation.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford and Senator Rodrigues, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Antonio F. D. Cabral, Michael J. Rodrigues and others for the annual issuance of a proclamation by the Governor setting apart July 2 as Machado-Joseph disease awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4201) of Antonio F. D. Cabral, Mark C. Montigny and Christopher Hendricks (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of New Bedford be authorized to employ a non-resident as the administrative assistant to the board of assessors of said city. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies in Massachusetts, such as ride-share and food delivery drivers. It mandates that these workers be presumed to be employees of their companies, granting them the same wage, hour, and benefit rights as other workers in the state. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations to ensure these companies provide safe and reliable services while remaining accountable to consumers and the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to allow rideshare drivers to form organizations and negotiate with companies to improve industry-wide working conditions. It aims to address issues like pay, health coverage, and scheduling by enabling collective bargaining between drivers and digital transportation platforms. The legislation authorizes the state to oversee these negotiations and approve recommendations that raise standards for workers in the digital marketplace.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2505) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to public employee retiree benefits. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private railroad companies and their contractors, as well as the state's rail and transit division, to provide earned sick leave to their employees. It mandates that these employers adhere to the same minimum standards for sick time already established in Massachusetts law for other workers. By extending these existing protections to the railroad industry, the legislation ensures that railroad workers have access to paid sick leave under the same rules as other private sector employees.