By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Bruce E. Tarr and others relative to energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Maddy summaryHD 275 sets a fixed $250 fee for two specific business filings: the certificate of organization and the annual report. This replaces previous variable fees under Chapter 156C of the General Laws. The bill directly affects small businesses in Massachusetts that must file these documents with the state secretary. The fee change took effect on January 1, 2016, providing a predictable cost for these routine filings. It does not alter other business costs or regulations.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2738) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner, Norman J. Orrall, Bruce E. Tarr, Kelly W. Pease and other members of the General Court for legislation to address rising insurance costs for manufactured home residents. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryHD 286 creates a voluntary program where Massachusetts drivers can register medical information to help emergency responders during accidents or medical emergencies. Participants complete a medical form with health details, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts, then place it in a yellow envelope in their glove compartment and affix a yellow decal to their vehicle. Emergency responders can access this information to provide appropriate care if a participant is unable to communicate, without liability for good-faith use. The program is administered by the state motor vehicle registry, with materials available in person or online, and misuse of the information is treated as identity theft.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1747) of Michael O. Moore, David F. DeCoste, John J. Marsi, Rodney M. Elliott and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to public safety on private college and university campuses. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryH 4944 allows pharmacists to dispense insulin in emergency situations without immediate prescription authorization. It defines an "emergency situation" as one where a patient cannot quickly obtain a doctor's approval, and requires pharmacists to use their professional judgment to determine if insulin is essential to prevent harm. The bill limits emergency insulin dispensing to a 30-day supply (or standard unit size if larger) and prohibits repeat dispensing to the same patient more than once every six months. This directly affects patients facing urgent insulin needs and pharmacists who may provide this emergency care under these specific guidelines. The law amends multiple sections of state law to include this emergency access provision.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (like state fire departments, cities, towns, or fire districts) to provide full-time firefighters with cancer screenings starting three years after they begin working and every three years thereafter. It directly affects firefighters employed by Massachusetts fire departments, including those at military reservations, air bases, and specific regional zones. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers (such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate), with all costs covered by the employer's health plan - no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for firefighters. This mandates a regular, employer-funded health benefit without requiring firefighter contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in Massachusetts to provide emergency insulin without a current prescription during urgent situations where a patient cannot quickly obtain authorization from their doctor. It defines an "emergency situation" as one where immediate prescription authorization isn't possible and requires pharmacists to use their professional judgment to determine if insulin is essential for sustaining life or managing a chronic condition. The bill limits emergency insulin dispensing to a 30-day supply per instance and prohibits the same pharmacist from providing this emergency supply more than once every six months to the same patient. It amends multiple statutes to include this provision, ensuring pharmacists can act in emergencies while maintaining safety safeguards.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3044) provides full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans who own or have property deeded to them or their spouse, as their primary residence. It replaces the previous system that limited tax relief to $1,500 or a portion of a specially adapted housing grant. The key change is granting complete exemption from property taxes on the veteran's primary residence, rather than a capped dollar amount. This directly affects qualifying veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability who reside in the property they own or hold title to.
Maddy summaryHD 244 creates a property tax break for seniors in towns that adopt it. It exempts seniors aged 65+ (or joint applicants where one is 65+) who own and live in their home as their primary residence, meet income limits (based on Chapter 62 tax rules), and have lived in the town 10+ years. The exemption reduces property taxes by covering the amount above 10% of the applicant's income plus a prior year tax credit, but never by more than 50% of the tax bill. Towns must cap total exemptions at 0.5-1% of residential property tax revenue, and the benefit expires after 3 years unless renewed by the town.
