By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Natalie M. Blais relative to establishing a state disaster relief fund for emergency management. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent commission in Massachusetts dedicated to improving educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native residents. The commission will consist of 17 members appointed by various state departments, including education, health, and social services, as well as the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs. Members will serve two-year terms without pay but can be reimbursed for work-related expenses, and the group will operate independently from other state agencies. The commission's primary role is to investigate how public and private resources can be used to enhance educational support and services for these communities. Appointments will be made through an open process involving consultation with tribal governments and intertribal organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education law to require schools to include specific Native American history and culture in their curriculum. It mandates that instruction cover the history and current issues of local tribes like the Wampanoag and Massachuset, as well as broader topics such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and genocide. The law also requires the state education board to consult with Native American communities when developing these new teaching standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid to cover doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The coverage includes continuous labor support, home visits, assistance with appointments, and help connecting families to community resources. By adding this specific provision to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that state-funded health care plans include these supportive services for qualifying beneficiaries.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public schools to include the history of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans in their curriculum starting with the 2023-2024 school year. It mandates that the state update its history and social science frameworks to cover the political, economic, and cultural contributions of this diverse group while also addressing historical racism and prejudice. To support these changes, the legislation establishes a dedicated trust fund financed by donations and fines from hate crimes to assist schools and provide teacher training. The law also directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to help districts access quality educational materials and ensures that instruction promotes diverse perspectives and anti-racist practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to specialized, high-performance breast pumps for mothers in Massachusetts who are unable to directly feed their newborns due to medical complications. It requires both the state's employee health insurance program and Medicaid managed care plans to cover the rental of these durable, multi-user pumps for the duration of the infant's hospital stay or until pumping ceases. The legislation also mandates that these pumps be provided within 24 hours of a mother's hospital discharge and includes coverage for essential replacement parts, storage bags, and professional lactation support services.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund called the Racially Inclusive Curriculum Trust Fund to support schools in developing and implementing racially inclusive educational materials. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would manage the fund, which can be financed through state appropriations, interest, and private donations, and the money would not be subject to annual budget cuts. The legislation authorizes the department to use these funds for creating curriculum frameworks, providing professional development training for teachers, and issuing grants to public schools and districts. Additionally, the bill establishes a specific grant program that requires applicants to demonstrate how their proposed curriculum can be replicated across other districts.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2582) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance benefits for certain state employees. Public Service.
By Representative Owens of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3205) of Steven Owens relative to solar energy development. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
