Rep. Paul McMurtry

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4645, now Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2025) increases penalties for assaulting public transit workers while they are on duty. It makes it a crime to commit assault and battery - including using bodily substances like blood or saliva - against a transit worker performing their job, punishable by 90 days to 2.5 years in jail or fines of $500 to $5,000. The law specifically defines "bodily substance" to include human secretions such as saliva, urine, or feces. It directly affects transit workers by strengthening legal protections during their work. The bill was enacted in late 2025 after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor’s signature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law regarding public construction contracts by changing disclosure rules for contractor applications. It specifically removes financial information from being considered "public record" in applications for a certificate of eligibility and update statements, while keeping other application details public. The change directly affects contractors seeking public construction work who must submit these applications. The key mechanism is a precise textual amendment to two sections of Chapter 149, ensuring financial details remain confidential under the law.

Maddy summaryH 4812 restricts telemarketers from using local phone numbers or area codes that don't match their actual Massachusetts business location. This directly affects out-of-state telemarketers who currently use fake local numbers to target Massachusetts consumers. The bill bans this practice, requires the Attorney General to enforce it with fines, and creates a system for consumers to track complaints through an advisory group. It aims to reduce deceptive caller ID tactics by mandating that telemarketers display legitimate location information.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits telemarketers in Massachusetts from making unsolicited sales calls using local phone numbers or area codes that don't match their actual business location in the state. It directly affects telemarketing companies operating within Massachusetts by requiring them to use phone numbers tied to their physical business address. The Attorney General will enforce the law, issue fines for violations, and create rules to implement the policy, while also reporting violations to a consumer advisory group that helps track complaints. The law aims to prevent deceptive practices where telemarketers hide their true location using fake local numbers.

Maddy summaryHD 4786 would authorize the town of Westwood to issue licenses for the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. This bill directly affects Westwood residents and local businesses seeking to sell alcohol within the town. The key provision allows Westwood to grant these licenses under its own local authority, rather than requiring state-level approval for each license. The bill requires prior approval from Westwood's town meeting or governing body before implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within Massachusetts' occupational licensure division. The board, consisting of seven members, will directly affect auto damage appraisers, insurance companies, auto body repair shops, and consumers by setting licensing standards. Key provisions include requiring the governor to appoint two industry representatives (auto repair and insurance), the attorney general to appoint a consumer advocate and a neutral office representative, and the licensing commissioner to appoint a chair who cannot represent either industry. The board will handle licensing requirements, with members limited to two consecutive 3-year terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand existing disability protections to include veterans. It adds "or veteran status" to three specific legal definitions in Chapter 272, ensuring veterans who qualify as "physically handicapped" or meet disability criteria under these laws receive the same protections. The change directly affects veterans who fall under these definitions in areas like housing and public accommodations, without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans covering commonwealth employees (under group insurance) and Medicaid enrollees to cover biomarker testing - tests analyzing tissue or blood to identify biological markers for guiding treatment - when supported by medical evidence like FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS determinations. Insurers must approve or deny prior authorization requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), with automatic approval if no response is given. The bill also mandates coverage without unnecessary disruptions, such as multiple biopsies, to ensure continuous patient care.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1901) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to veterans creditable service. Public Service.

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1905) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation to clarify military buyback options. Public Service.