Rep. David LeBoeuf

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Health Policy Commission and the Center for Health Information Analysis, to conduct a comprehensive study on access to essential health services. The study will analyze current hospital capacity, the impact of recent service discontinuations and closures since 1992, and projected regional needs over the next decade. It will also investigate financial factors that threaten service availability, review successful strategies from other states, and propose policy changes to ensure continued access to care across the Commonwealth.

By Representative Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2174) of Sean Garballey and others relative to liability protection for disaster volunteers. Public Health.

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2192) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to protect patients and healthcare workers from exposure to surgical smoke. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home healthcare employers in Massachusetts to provide annual safety training and conduct risk assessments before visits to protect workers from violence. It mandates that agencies assess potential dangers at a patient's home, such as history of violent behavior or the presence of weapons, and equip workers with communication devices and alarms for emergencies. The law also allows workers to refuse service if they believe there is an imminent threat without fear of losing pay or facing discipline. Additionally, employers must create a crisis response team to support staff who have been assaulted or threatened.

By Representatives LeBoeuf of Worcester and Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2223) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Vanna Howard and others relative to the lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing. Public Health.

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2149) of Daniel M. Donahue and others for legislation to ensure safe medication administration. Public Health.

By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2193) of Natalie M. Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to expanding after-death options and the disposal of human bodies. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer protections and information for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax liens, ensuring the notice includes contact details and explains the owner's rights to redeem the property. The law also mandates that notices be sent via certified mail and posted on the property in plain language, including translations in the seven most common languages spoken in the state. Additionally, the bill defines how to calculate any remaining value owed to a homeowner after a property is sold to satisfy tax debts. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure residents understand the steps involved in tax foreclosure processes.

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.