Rep. Sam Montaño

Maddy summaryThis bill creates supplemental payments for dental providers who serve additional MassHealth patients. It provides $31 per qualifying patient encounter to dentists or hygienists who see at least 10 more MassHealth beneficiaries aged 21+ compared to the previous year, specifically in 10 designated municipalities with high MassHealth enrollment but low dental service use. Eligible providers must be licensed in Massachusetts, enrolled with MassHealth, and serve patients in these target areas. The payment rate may be adjusted later through existing review processes. The bill directly affects dental providers in underserved communities seeking to expand access to older MassHealth enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4040) requires all welding, cutting, and hot works training programs in Massachusetts to use a specific National Fire Protection Association program or an equivalent system with an electronic worker status database, multilingual classes, identity verification, and annual refresher training. It adds "criminal negligence" to define repeated, reckless failure to follow safety rules, making such non-compliance potentially punishable as a crime. Penalties for violating welding/cutting rules escalate with offenses: first offense up to $1,000, second up to $2,000 or 1 year in jail, and third+ offenses up to 0.25% of project value or $10,000. The bill also mandates a public system (online database, quarterly reports) to track and notify about safety violations affecting workers and property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10-member commission to develop rules for how insurance companies set rates on two types of housing: properties with affordability restrictions (like subsidized units) and properties where tenants use housing vouchers. The commission includes government officials, housing advocates, community development groups, builders, and insurance representatives. It must propose specific legislation to the relevant committees by December 31, 2026, to address potential rate-setting issues affecting these housing types. The bill directly impacts insurance companies, affordable housing providers, and voucher tenants by targeting the insurance pricing framework for these properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program to provide service dogs for eligible veterans with disabilities. It creates a dedicated fund (the Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Fund) to cover program costs, including training and matching dogs with veterans through accredited organizations. Eligible veterans must be Massachusetts residents with a documented disability, a healthcare provider's recommendation, and a need for a service dog trained to assist with specific tasks. The program requires the executive office of veterans' services to administer the program, match veterans with dogs within one year, and submit annual reports on outcomes. The bill also eliminates licensing fees for service dogs under this program.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants, schools, sports leagues, and other public venues to purchase and keep epinephrine autoinjectors on-site to treat severe allergic reactions. To do so, these locations must get approval from the state department, ensure their staff completes specific emergency training, and store the devices in easily accessible places. Trained employees are authorized to use these injectors on anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, even if the person does not have a personal prescription for the medication. The law also provides legal protection from lawsuits for these venues and their staff when administering the drug in good faith, while requiring them to report each use to the state for public analysis.

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely relative to student access to food and nutritional information. Higher Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases access to epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions by allowing pharmacists to dispense autoinjectors without a prescription under a statewide standing order, with liability protection for good-faith actions. It also shields first responders from drug possession charges when seeking medical help for anaphylaxis and permits businesses (like schools, restaurants, and sports venues) to maintain and store epinephrine supplies with staff training. Pharmacists must complete anaphylaxis recognition training, and all entities must report dispensing data anonymously to the state. The law aims to make emergency treatment more accessible while protecting those administering it.

By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4262) of Samantha Montaño (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to ranked choice voting in the city of Boston. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]