Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill establishes a three-year pilot program to study how fentanyl testing strips impact public health and safety among people who use opioids and other drugs. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services would run a competitive grant process to fund organizations that help individuals test their substances for fentanyl before use and create rapid response systems to prevent overdoses. As part of the program, the state would publish an annual list of laboratories offering quality test strips and allow participants to access addiction treatment services while using the strips. The bill also requires the office to create rules for testing procedures and mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing grant recipients, participant numbers, and health outcomes over a two-year follow-up period.
Rep. Ryan Hamilton
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Commission on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Management, a seven-member group led by state officials tasked with studying suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The commission will investigate needs for emergency and outpatient services, professional training, and infrastructure while proposing a dedicated fund to accept charitable donations. By January 1, 2025, the group must submit a report with recommendations to improve access to care, communication channels, and follow-up programs, including guidance on safely handling dangerous items like firearms and medications. Additionally, the Department of Mental Health is directed to develop public resources that help individuals conduct home safety inspections and learn about wellness assistance. The bill also requires the department to launch public awareness campaigns promoting Mass 211 and the Federal 988 suicide prevention hotline.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for loan repayment programs designed to attract behavioral health professionals to work in underserved areas. Specifically, it allows these professionals to qualify for repayment if they work at acute care hospitals that received special Medicaid funding in 2022, in addition to existing psychiatric and general hospitals. The change aims to broaden the range of facilities where clinicians can serve while still receiving financial assistance for their education. By updating the list of qualifying employers, the legislation seeks to increase the availability of mental health and substance use services in communities that need them most.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow specific low-stakes card and chance games at municipal and town senior centers. It defines "recreational games" as activities where individual winnings do not exceed $20, player contributions are $5 or less, and no one profits from organizing the event. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply only to senior centers and does not authorize the arrest or prosecution of people hosting or playing in such games in public or private settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to help survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and involuntary sexual relations by allowing them to have certain criminal records expunged or sealed. It directly affects individuals who have been victims of these crimes and later faced legal charges related to their victimization. The law creates a specific category for offenses resulting from such victimization and establishes a rebuttable presumption that a defendant's actions were due to their trauma, though official documentation is not strictly required to apply. Judges will be able to consider credible evidence and testimony when deciding on petitions for relief, and the bill also adds a prohibition against making sealed or expunged records available for inspection.
By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2339) of James K. Hawkins and others relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2363) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to the sale, transfer, or possession of large capacity ammunition gun feeding devices. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2360) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to 3D printed weapons and ghost guns. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public school district in Massachusetts to hire at least one full-time school psychologist and one full-time school social worker to support the mental health needs of K-12 students. The legislation outlines specific duties for these professionals, including conducting mental health assessments, providing therapy and crisis intervention, training school staff on behavioral strategies, and acting as a bridge between families, schools, and community resources. By amending state law, the measure mandates that these services be integrated into the daily operations of public schools to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges.
By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2317) of Carol A. Doherty and others relative to the establishment of the PFAS research and development public safety fund to be administered by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Public Safety and Homeland Security.