Rep. Sally Kerans

May 2, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1142) of John C. Velis, Patrick M. O'Connor, Jack Patrick Lewis, Steven George Xiarhos and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1718) of Edward R. Philips, Jessica Ann Giannino and others for legislation relative to the humane protection of animals and establishing a task force to complete a systematic review of the laws pertaining to animal cruelty and protection, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2757).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to expand the legal definition of a "prostituted person" for the purposes of the state's sex trafficking statute. The change directly affects individuals currently involved in sex work by including them under the protections of the law if they are victims of sexual servitude, sex trafficking, or specific forms of prostitution involving fees, necessities, minors, or street solicitation. By broadening this definition, the legislation ensures that a wider range of people engaged in the sex trade can access existing legal remedies and support services designed for trafficking victims. The bill does not alter criminal penalties but rather clarifies who qualifies for the state's victim assistance framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires covered employers in Massachusetts to submit detailed wage data reports alongside their existing annual reports to the state secretary. The state secretary will then compile this information and publish aggregate wage statistics on the executive office of labor and workforce development website, organized by industry and released annually by June 1. While the bill mandates the collection and public release of these aggregate statistics, it explicitly excludes the individual wage data reports from being considered public records, thereby protecting specific employer information from public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill mandates that health insurance plans cover specific heart and brain health screenings for children between the ages of five and eighteen. It requires coverage for an echocardiogram and a concussion analysis to be provided every two years, or biennially, for these minors. The law applies to various types of insurance, including those for state employees, private medical policies, hospital service plans, and health maintenance organizations. By amending multiple chapters of state law, the bill ensures that these diagnostic tests are included in standard medical expense coverage across the Commonwealth.

By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2207) of Sally P. Kerans relative to ensuring the fair and appropriate distribution of vaccines during a public health emergency. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to require health insurance plans to cover the cost of scalp and facial hair prostheses under specific medical conditions. It directly affects individuals who have lost hair due to cancer treatment, leukemia, certain autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, or permanent injury, but excludes hair loss caused by natural aging. To qualify for coverage, a treating physician must provide a written statement confirming that the hair replacement is medically necessary, and the prostheses must be subject to the same rules and limits as other medical devices. The legislation defines these items as artificial substitutes for lost hair, including wigs and eyebrow replacements, ensuring they are treated similarly to other prosthetic appliances.

By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2857) of Sally P. Kerans relative to regional assessment values for Beverly airport land in the town of Danvers. Revenue.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2441) of Bruce E. Tarr, Sally P. Kerans and Kristin E. Kassner (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local approval received]

By Representative Kerans of Danvers and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3358) of Sally P. Kerans, Joan B. Lovely and Jerald A. Parisella relative to airplane noise data collection. Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division to collect and publish annual noise complaint data and flight operation logs for Beverly Regional Airport from April through October. It mandates that these records be posted online within 20 days of each month's end and remain available permanently, while also establishing a process for public meetings to address noise concerns. Additionally, the legislation directs the Division to create a "Good Neighbor Policy" that educates pilots and flight schools about noise impacts and requires all new badge applicants to attest that they will follow these guidelines. The law aims to increase transparency and foster better communication between the airport community and nearby residents regarding airplane noise.