Rep. Jessica Giannino

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly authorize libraries to purchase and license electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects a wide range of library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, by legally defining these digital formats and the companies that provide them. The legislation clarifies that "publishers" include both traditional book sellers and digital aggregators who license collections to libraries. By updating Chapter 78 of the General Laws, the bill removes potential legal barriers that might have prevented libraries from acquiring modern digital reading materials.

By Representative Balser of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2290) of Ruth B. Balser relative to clarifying the standards for requiring the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in rehabilitated buildings. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Balser of Newton and Donato of Medford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2289) of Ruth B. Balser, Paul J. Donato and others relative to the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in certain new family dwellings. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3521) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others relative to COLA adjustments for veteran benefits. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3517) of Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to enhancing burial expenses for veterans. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program within the Department of Mental Health to support nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. The funding is intended to help these organizations train their staff in behavioral health and expand supportive services for communities frequently targeted by bias. Grants can be used for specific initiatives such as mental health first aid training, culturally responsive referral systems, and community education to reduce stigma. The program requires that grants be distributed equitably across the state and aligned with recent hate crime data, with a final report on the program's performance due six months after the first grants are issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to biomarker testing for cancer patients in Massachusetts to help them receive the most appropriate therapy. It requires health insurers to cover the cost of these specific tests without imposing additional restrictions or requiring prior authorization beyond what is already standard for other medical services. The legislation directly affects cancer patients, their families, and health insurance providers by ensuring that necessary diagnostic tools are financially accessible. By removing barriers to testing, the bill seeks to facilitate better treatment decisions based on individual patient biology.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of eight appointed members, including licensed midwives with significant experience, a physician, a nurse-midwife, and a public representative, with specific requirements for members to address racial disparities in maternal health. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Board of Allied Health Professions that includes representatives from various health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lactation consulting. The bill also expands the legal definition of "licensed midwife" to allow them to issue prescriptions and grants local health agencies the authority to conduct in-depth reviews of fetal and infant deaths to improve community health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee and regulate the practice of midwifery in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including licensed midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the definition of who can prescribe medication to include licensed midwives and establishes a program for postpartum depression screenings for state employees. It also updates various state laws to formally recognize and define the roles of certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives across different departments.

By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2353) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Sean Garballey and others relative to the equality of wage and recruitment of the State Police. Public Safety and Homeland Security.