Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts healthcare facilities (like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers) to implement a medical chaperone policy. It mandates that doctors or nurses inform patients before sensitive exams (such as those involving genitalia, breasts, or rectal areas) about their option to request a trained medical chaperone or, if unavailable, a family/friend chaperone (called a "familial chaperone"). Facilities must document these disclosures and requests in patients' electronic health records, provide educational materials to patients and familial chaperones, and report annual usage data to the state. The policy directly affects patients receiving intimate exams, healthcare facilities, and medical staff who must follow these new disclosure and documentation procedures.
Rep. Hannah Kane
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to create and distribute clear guidance for businesses on safely donating food, covering liability protections, food safety rules, and benefits like reducing waste. The guidance must be posted online and shared with businesses within six months of the bill's passage. The department must also hold at least four annual webinars for local health officials to support implementation of food donation programs. Additionally, a statewide educational campaign will be launched within one year to help businesses and consumers reduce food waste through donation.
Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers to obtain written consent for sensitive examinations (like pelvic or prostate exams) on unconscious or heavily sedated patients, except in emergencies. It guarantees patients the right to request a medical chaperone during such exams, with healthcare organizations encouraged to provide a chaperone matching the patient’s gender identity. Providers must inform patients about this right before exams and use standardized consent forms that explicitly mention the chaperone option. The law applies to all healthcare organizations and providers performing sensitive exams, aiming to ensure patient autonomy and safety during these procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cranberry growers to transfer their water use permits to other permitted users to help meet water requirements, primarily benefiting cranberry operations in Massachusetts. It enables registered water use statements and permits for cranberry farming to be shared with other authorized users for mitigation purposes. The Department of Environmental Protection must create implementing regulations by December 31, 2026. The bill directly affects cranberry growers and other water permit holders by creating a new transfer mechanism for water use rights.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to develop an emergency plan supporting agricultural, seafood, and processed food production during crises, coordinated across state agencies. It mandates an annual report tracking local food distribution through state-funded food assistance programs (like school meals and Meals on Wheels), including quantities, types, sourcing farms, and program-specific data. The report must include recommendations for increasing local food use while maintaining affordability and will be published online and submitted to legislative committees. This directly affects state agencies, food assistance programs, and farms supplying locally grown or produced food. The plan must be reviewed every five years and updated as needed.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 251) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the Office of the State Auditor annually conduct an audit of and report on the Department of Transitional Assistance. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cranberry growers in Massachusetts to transfer their water use permits to other municipal users within the same watershed, provided those new users obtain their own permits under state law. It directly affects cranberry growers and municipal water users in shared watersheds by creating a formal mechanism for water rights transfers. The key provision requires new users to secure their own Chapter 21G registrations and permits, rather than relying on the original cranberry permit holder. This changes how water use permits can be utilized for mitigation purposes without altering the underlying permit requirements. The policy update applies specifically to cranberry-related water registrations and permits under M.G.L. Chapter 21G.
By Representatives Moran of Lawrence and Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Frank A. Moran, Adam J. Scanlon and others for legislation to establish a special task force (including members of the General Court) to review and report on vocational admissions policies. Education.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 112) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to agricultural resilience. Agriculture.