Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing system for home care agencies in Massachusetts, requiring most providers of in-home care services to obtain a license from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It directly affects home care agencies (businesses or nonprofits providing services like personal assistance or housekeeping in consumers' homes), home care workers, and consumers receiving these services. Key provisions include mandatory background checks for workers, requirements for detailed service plans and contracts, minimum insurance coverage, adherence to labor laws, and annual staff training on topics like abuse reporting and dementia care. The Secretary enforces compliance through fines for unlicensed operation or violations, with temporary licenses allowed for new or struggling agencies under specific conditions.
Rep. Sam Montaño
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the residency requirement for new firefighters in Massachusetts. It requires any firefighter hired after August 1, 1978 (who isn't covered by Chapter 31 rules) to live within 15 miles of their city or town of employment, measured from the closest borders of both locations. Cities or towns can increase this 15-mile limit through collective bargaining agreements under Chapter 150E. The law directly affects new firefighters hired by local fire departments after 1978.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to regulate the state's legal cannabis industry. The commission, composed of three governor-appointed commissioners with expertise in public health or cannabis regulation, will oversee licensing, enforcement, and policy implementation for cannabis businesses. Commissioners must be state residents, avoid political office, and follow strict ethical rules prohibiting conflicts of interest with licensed businesses. The commission will operate as a state agency with defined procedures for meetings, decision-making, and financial management.
Maddy summaryH 4187 creates a new Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the state's cannabis regulatory framework. The commission will consist of three appointed commissioners (one full-time chair and two part-time members), requiring gubernatorial appointment with background checks, no felony convictions, and expertise in areas like public health or cannabis regulation. Commissioners must be Massachusetts residents, avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., holding elected office), and serve limited terms (max 8 years total). This bill establishes the governance structure for future cannabis rulemaking but does not change current cannabis laws or licensing rules.
Maddy summaryHD 943 defines key terms for marijuana business ownership in Massachusetts, including "Person or Entity Having Direct Control" (e.g., owners with 10%+ interest or those appointing leaders) and "Person or Entity Having Indirect Control" (e.g., through parent companies). It limits license holders with control to owning up to four additional retail or medical marijuana licenses only if those licenses are majority-owned by certified equity businesses (like minority-, women-, or veteran-owned enterprises with valid state certification). This directly affects current marijuana license holders seeking to expand operations under new ownership rules.
Maddy summaryHD 3584, titled "An Act relative to hospital profit and fairness," targets hospitals receiving Commonwealth funding that serve fewer than 60% government patients (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare). It imposes civil penalties on facilities with operating margins exceeding 8% or CEO compensation over 50 times the minimum wage employee pay, requiring public reporting of all financial assets (including foreign holdings) within 7 days. Penalties collected fund a new Medicaid Reimbursement Enhancement Fund to improve Medicaid payments to eligible hospitals. The law applies to acute care hospitals, teaching hospitals, and state-operated facilities but excludes rehabilitation and long-term care centers. It takes effect January 1, 2025, without affecting pre-existing contracts.
By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 526) of Daniel Cahill and Sean Reid relative to school construction. Education.
By Representatives Blais of Deerfield and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 71) of Natalie M. Blais, Hannah Kane and others for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands. Revenue.
Maddy summaryHD 407 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove a provision that currently bars individuals incarcerated for felony convictions from voting. The bill would strike the exception from the state constitution, eliminating the specific language that denies voting rights to people in correctional facilities due to felony offenses. This change would directly affect thousands of incarcerated individuals across the state who are serving sentences for felonies but are otherwise eligible to vote. If approved, it would restore voting rights to these individuals while they remain incarcerated, without requiring them to complete their sentences first.
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Samantha Montaño and others relative to underperforming schools. Education.