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.
Rep. Sally Kerans
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4487) updates terminology across Massachusetts state law to replace outdated terms like "handicapped," "disabled," and "mentally retarded" with more respectful and current language such as "persons with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disability." It amends 33 sections of the General Laws, including provisions related to employment weeks, veteran benefits, healthcare, and community services, to consistently use inclusive terminology. The bill directly affects how state laws reference these communities but does not create new programs or change existing policies. It was reported favorably by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4484) extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Health to report on 42 specific House documents. It grants the committee until Thursday, October 9, 2025, to complete these reports - beyond the standard timeframe under House Rule 27. The extension directly affects the committee's work on these documents, which include numbers like 453, 1374, and 2500. As a procedural measure, it does not change policy but provides additional time for the committee’s review process.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4485) extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Health to report on 40 specific House documents. It grants the committee until Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to complete these reports - beyond the standard timeframe under House Rule 27. The bill directly affects the Public Health committee and the legislative process for these documents, which include bills related to health policy. It is a procedural measure with no policy changes, solely adjusting a committee deadline.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates "blue envelopes" to improve police interactions with people who have autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes, available from the Registry of Motor Vehicles upon request, contain written communication tips for officers and instructions for placing them on a car's sun visor. They also hold a person's driver's license, registration, and insurance cards. The program will begin on July 1, 2026, and directly affects autistic individuals and their families during traffic stops or vehicle encounters with police.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4480) extends the deadline for the House Public Health committee to submit its final report on House document 2384 until Saturday, October 4, 2025. It directly affects the Public Health committee and the specific document (2384) under review. The bill modifies House Rule 27 to grant this time extension, which is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy changes. The bill was adopted on September 8, 2025, after being referred to and approved by the House Rules committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Massachusetts public schools treat student participation in 4-H programs as excused absences, counting up to 5 days per year the same as field trips. Schools must provide make-up work and prevent grades from being negatively affected due to 4-H participation. It does not apply during standardized testing periods or if a student is suspended/expelled. The policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
Maddy summaryHD 866 requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees (active and retired) and other health benefit plans to provide comprehensive coverage for cognitive rehabilitation treatments related to acquired brain injury (ABI). The bill mandates coverage for specific therapies including cognitive rehabilitation, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, and neurofeedback therapy without lifetime or unreasonable annual limits. Insurers must cover these treatments regardless of facility type (e.g., not just hospitals) and cannot apply stricter cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) than for other medical benefits. This law also requires insurers to train staff on these benefits in consultation with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1127) of Marjorie C. Decker, Susannah M. Whipps and others relative to insurance coverage and access to nurse-midwifery services. Financial Services.