Rep. Rodney Elliott

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts energy laws to include offshore wind, hydroelectric power, and energy storage as official clean energy sources. It requires electricity distribution companies to jointly and competitively solicit long-term contracts for approximately 9.45 million megawatt-hours of clean energy by 2030, with a goal of reaching that target by 2035. The legislation mandates that these contracts be cost-effective and approved by the Department of Public Utilities, while also allowing distribution companies to require that clean energy certificates be delivered for the entire useful life of the generating resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that individuals in Massachusetts can continue seeing their mental health providers even if those providers are removed from an insurance network or the insurance company changes. It defines a "continuing course of treatment" as having at least one visit in the past four months for the same condition or similar symptoms. Under the new rules, insurance carriers must pay the full in-network rate to providers who are out-of-network due to disenrollment or plan changes, unless the removal was due to fraud or quality issues. Patients may face a higher co-payment only if the carrier proves that using an out-of-network provider significantly increases costs, and no new deductibles or additional charges are allowed for this coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover wearable tracking devices for individuals diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder or Alzheimer's disease. The legislation defines these devices as waterproof, non-cellular trackers that function without a direct line of sight to the sky and include features to prevent false alarms. By mandating full coverage subject to standard deductibles and co-pays, the measure aims to ensure that these specific safety tools are accessible to affected individuals and their guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from charging unconscionably excessive prices for essential health-related items, such as masks, disinfectants, and over-the-counter medications, during a declared public health emergency in Massachusetts. It defines a price as excessive if it rises more than fifteen percent above the cost charged immediately before the emergency, unless the seller can prove that out-of-control costs forced the increase. To enforce these rules, the Attorney General or District Attorney can seek court orders to stop violations and impose civil penalties of up to twenty-five thousand dollars per offense, along with the forfeiture of profits from the illegal transactions. The law applies to all sellers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Massachusetts Private Flood Insurance Act to allow private insurers to offer new flood coverage options alongside the existing National Flood Insurance Program. It defines what counts as flood and mudflow, and establishes two types of private policies: standard policies that match NFIP terms and nonstandard policies that can offer broader or supplemental coverage. The law requires insurers to clearly label their policies as private rather than federal, display deductibles and limits prominently, and file rate information with the state regulator. Additionally, the bill instructs the state commissioner to track and report how many private flood policies are sold each year to monitor market participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover cancer screenings for all types of firefighters without charging any fees or deductibles. It specifically ensures that firefighters can access recommended screenings from the American Cancer Society after a referral from their primary care doctor. The law applies to coverage under various state insurance programs, including those for full-time, part-time, volunteer, and reserve firefighters. By removing cost-sharing requirements, the legislation aims to make these essential health services fully accessible to the firefighting community.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs that a portion of fines and fees collected from individuals convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of substances be deposited into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. Specifically, it requires $50 of each fine under one section to go to the fund and increases an existing assessment for DUI-related offenses from $50 to $100, with 100% of that new amount funding the trust. Additionally, the legislation mandates that 75% of fines collected under several other specific subsections of the same law be transferred to the trust fund. These changes directly affect courts and the state treasurer, who must now route these specific financial collections to support head injury treatment services rather than general state revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to specifically protect sports officials, such as referees and umpires, from physical attacks. It establishes that anyone who assaults an official before, during, or immediately after a game faces fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 or imprisonment for 90 days to two and a half years. Additionally, the legislation makes it a crime to force an official to stay on the field after a contest has ended, punishable by a fine up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail. These measures apply to paid and volunteer officials working in interscholastic, intercollegiate, amateur, and professional athletic events.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to Massachusetts law that specifically criminalizes discharging certain firearms with the intent to hit a home. It directly affects individuals who use assault weapons, rifles, shotguns, or other specified guns to target dwelling houses. The key provision establishes that anyone convicted of this offense could face up to five years in state prison, up to two and a half years in the house of correction, a fine of $10,000, or a combination of these penalties. The legislation focuses on the act of striking a residential property with a firearm, distinguishing it from other types of gun violence.