Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new task force called the Pesticide Control Modernization and Environmental Protection Task Force to review Massachusetts' current laws and practices regarding pesticide use. The group will consist of state agency heads, including the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, along with twenty additional members representing diverse interests such as farmers, beekeepers, environmental groups, and pesticide manufacturers. These members will examine existing regulations and provide recommendations on how to improve the state's approach to pesticide control and environmental safety. The bill does not change current pesticide laws but instead creates a committee to study the issue and propose future updates.
Rep. Paul McMurtry
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that public schools in Massachusetts provide kindergarten through fifth-grade students with at least one hundred minutes of supervised, unstructured free-play recess each week. The law ensures that schools cannot reduce this recess time due to new curriculum standards or other changes, nor can they count this time toward required learning hours. By guaranteeing a minimum of twenty consecutive minutes of recess per day, the legislation aims to protect opportunities for physical and social activities for elementary students.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2163) of Carole A. Fiola and others that the Division of Medical Assistance be directed to provide coverage for screenings for postpartum depression. Public Health.
Maddy summaryOllie’s Law amends Massachusetts state regulations to improve safety standards for private dog kennels. The bill raises the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single-person private kennel from four to five, provided the dogs are six months of age or older. Additionally, it updates the legal classification code for these facilities from 174F to 174G. These changes directly affect individuals who operate small, private dog kennels on their property.
By Representative Peake of Provincetown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2247) of Sarah K. Peake and others relative to safe patient handling and mobility in certain health facilities. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires MassHealth to ensure that all Senior Care Options plans provide a specific dementia care coordination service to members diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The legislation defines this service as a proactive care consultation designed to help individuals receive cost-effective and quality care within the existing senior care framework. By adding this requirement to state law, the measure directly affects seniors enrolled in MassHealth's Senior Care Options programs who have been diagnosed with these conditions.
By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2890) of Paul McMurtry, Brian M. Ashe and Vanna Howard relative to property tax exemptions for real estate of survivors of certain police officer and firefighters who died in the line of duty. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education to conduct a study on pediatric and adolescent psychiatric hospital settings and therapeutic day schools. The study aims to identify how many children in these facilities have conditions known as PANDAS or PANS, which are linked to autoimmune responses triggered by strep infections. To carry out this investigation, the departments must use specific clinical criteria from the PANS/PANDAS Consortium and interview families of children who were previously misdiagnosed. The final report, due by December 31, 2023, will be shared with various state committees and councils to inform future policy and care approaches.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover diagnostic breast cancer exams and digital breast tomosynthesis screenings with the same financial terms as standard mammograms. The law specifically applies to state employee group insurance and Medicaid managed care plans, prohibiting any increase in patient cost-sharing such as deductibles or copayments for these services. Additionally, it creates an exemption for high-deductible health plans that qualify for Health Savings Accounts, allowing them to maintain their tax status while still adhering to state preventive care requirements. By mandating equal coverage for advanced screening technologies, the legislation aims to improve early detection access without adding financial barriers for patients.
By Representatives Kane of Shrewsbury and Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2852) of Hannah Kane, Vanna Howard and others for legislation to promote urban agriculture and horticulture by providing for certain tax exemptions. Revenue.