Rep. Tom Walsh

Maddy summaryHD 1767 amends Massachusetts law regarding health care proxies. It ensures that a health care proxy (a document naming someone to make medical decisions) remains valid after the person who created it (the principal) dies. Specifically, the proxy will not automatically end upon the principal's death but will stay effective for six months following their death. This change directly affects individuals who have established health care proxies and their designated agents.

Maddy summaryHD 1769 requires every public school district superintendent to collaborate with local fire and police chiefs to create a school-specific critical incident plan before each school year. The plan must cover emergencies like shootings, disasters, and bomb threats, including unannounced drills conducted twice yearly by police (without prior notice to staff), a crisis response team, communication protocols, and safe evacuation procedures. Students must be instructed on the plan at the start of each school year. This bill directly affects all public school districts, their superintendents, local police/fire departments, and students. The law mandates annual review and updates to the plans by districts with police/fire department assistance.

Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 4264) [Local Approval Received]. August 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against participants in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers, drug companies, and distributors to provide equal reimbursement and treatment to 340B-covered entities (like safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies, banning lower payments, special restrictions, or interference with patient choices to access 340B drugs. The law explicitly forbids denying 340B drug access, disrupting contracts between pharmacies and 340B entities, or demanding extra data as a condition for supplying 340B drugs. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and pharmacies participating in the 340B program within Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 1761 requires school principals and administrators to first explore alternative strategies - such as mediation, restorative justice, or conflict resolution - before suspending or expelling a student for specific incidents. The bill mandates documenting the use and results of these alternatives, except when a student's presence poses an immediate, documented risk of serious harm or major disruption to learning. School leaders must also implement district-wide re-engagement models like trauma-sensitive learning, though these cannot replace addressing specific incidents. This directly affects school discipline decisions for K-12 students and their educators, shifting focus from exclusion to supportive interventions. The law applies to all public schools in the state and amends Chapter 71, Section 37 H of the education code.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers in Massachusetts to remove ice or snow from their vehicles - including the hood, trunk, and roof - within 24 hours after snow or ice stops falling. It directly affects all drivers, including commercial vehicle operators, but includes exceptions for those en route to clear snow or if compliance would violate safety laws. Police may stop vehicles if ice/snow poses an immediate threat to people or property. Violations carry standard traffic fines under existing Chapter 85, Section 36 penalties. The law focuses on preventing hazards from ice/snow accumulation during winter weather.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a statewide "blue alert" system in Massachusetts to quickly notify the public when law enforcement is actively searching for someone who seriously injured or killed a police officer, state trooper, or other law enforcement official. The Executive Office of Public Safety will coordinate the system, which activates under specific criteria outlined in the law. The alert system aims to mobilize public assistance in locating suspects through coordinated communication channels. It directly affects law enforcement agencies conducting such investigations and the general public during active alerts. The bill defines key terms like "law enforcement agency" and establishes the system's operational framework under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to provide the next of kin of qualifying public safety personnel with both the Massachusetts state flag and a U.S. flag during memorial services. It applies specifically to sworn police officers (city/town or state police) or firefighters (city/town fire departments) who die while on duty, from work-related injuries, or from hazards inherent to their job. The state will cover all costs for these flags, which must be presented at the memorial service. The law creates a concrete, ceremonial support measure for families of fallen officers and firefighters.

Maddy summaryH 4360 requires licensed hotels, motels, and similar lodging establishments (excluding those exempt from room tax) to mandate human trafficking recognition training for all employees. The training, approved by the Attorney General, must cover trafficking definitions, victim identification, and include the national hotline number. Establishments must also post a standard notice in visible areas like lobbies and restrooms. This bill directly affects hospitality businesses and aims to equip staff with tools to recognize and report trafficking, with implementation overseen by the Attorney General. The bill passed the House unanimously (158-0) on July 30, 2025, and now awaits action in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts teacher retirement system rules to ensure continuity for educators. It requires that teachers moving to roles in the Executive Office of Education or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education retain their teacher retirement status without service interruption, with provisions for making up any contribution differences. It also creates a one-time 180-day window for certain teachers (who joined before July 2001 and didn't opt into an alternative retirement plan) to switch to that program. Additionally, the bill allows school districts to temporarily hire retired teachers during staff shortages, though this service doesn't count toward retirement credits. These changes primarily affect current and retired teachers employed in Massachusetts public schools or education agencies.