Rep. Hannah Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding program within the Massachusetts School Building Authority specifically for vocational-technical education and regional vocational-technical schools. The legislation aims to improve access and capacity by directing capital investments toward infrastructure that supports industry-relevant workforce training and economic development. By establishing this dedicated tool, the bill seeks to ensure equitable access to public education and modern facilities for students pursuing technical careers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a universal school meal program in Massachusetts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. It would require the state to allocate funding for these meals and mandate that every school district participate in the program. The legislation aims to ensure that every child attending a public school in the Commonwealth receives nutritious food at no cost to their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nicky's Law to broaden the legal definition of "employer" for entities providing MassHealth day habilitation services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. By expanding the criteria to include organizations operating under specific department contracts, funding, or licenses, the legislation ensures these service providers are covered under existing employment protections. The change directly affects the organizations delivering these day programs and the staff who work within them, aiming to clarify their status under current state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to submit an annual report on its foster parent recruitment efforts by October 31 each year. The report must be shared with state officials and made available to the public online, detailing how many new parents were recruited, the costs involved, current recruitment challenges, and the specific methods being used. By mandating this transparency, the legislation aims to provide clearer insight into the state's progress in expanding its foster care family network. The requirement takes effect on December 31, 2024, replacing an earlier version of the reporting rule.

By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2218) of Kay Khan and others relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily living tasks to qualify for the Personal Care Attendant program. Specifically, it directs the Division of Medical Assistance to update its regulations so that people requiring assistance with two or more activities of daily living are considered eligible for PCA services. The change ensures that those who need guidance or oversight while completing routine tasks can receive support through the state's existing personal care system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to update terminology regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary function is to replace outdated terms like "handicapped persons" and "autistic" with modern, person-first language such as "persons with disabilities" and "individuals with disabilities." These changes affect various sections of Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover topics including employment weeks and general definitions used across state regulations. By standardizing this language, the legislation ensures that official documents and statutes reflect current respectful terminology without altering the substantive rights or programs available to these individuals.

By Representative Giannino of Revere, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jessica Ann Giannino and others relative to pediatric cancer research. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary training program for medical and allied health students to improve their care of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The Department of Public Health will work with The Arc of Massachusetts to develop this curriculum, which builds on an existing initiative called Operation House Call. To earn certification, participating schools must offer the training as an optional course that includes at least six hours of instruction covering best practices and diverse patient needs. The department will then publish an annual list of schools that have successfully completed the program and meet established standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow individuals who need supervision and cueing to perform daily tasks to participate in the Personal Care Attendant program. It specifically targets people who are currently eligible for the program but require assistance with two or more activities of daily living due to their need for guidance. The legislation directs the relevant state division to update its standards and regulations to formally include these individuals as eligible members. By making this change, the bill aims to expand access to support services for a specific group of residents who previously might have been excluded from the program.