Rep. Dawne Shand

Maddy summaryThis bill allows appointed statewide public bodies in Massachusetts to let members join meetings remotely instead of being physically present. It defines remote participation as attending via technology while not being at the meeting location and grants these remote members the right to vote and count toward a quorum. The law requires that all participants be clearly audible, mandates that the public have free access to virtual meetings through audio or video means, and ensures that parties required to appear before these bodies can do so remotely.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2831) of Steven S. Howitt and others relative to Title V income tax credit reform of financial aid for homeowners who have incurred costs for the repair or replacement of failed septic systems. Revenue.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to ensure that legal parentage rights apply equally to all families, regardless of the parents' gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. It replaces gender-specific terms like "father" and "mother" with neutral language such as "other parent" and "person who gave birth," while also changing "paternity" to "parentage" throughout the statutes. The legislation introduces new definitions for various family arrangements, including surrogacy and assisted reproduction, to clarify how different types of parents are recognized under the law. By amending existing chapters on birth certificates and family law, the bill aims to provide consistent legal protections for children born through diverse circumstances, including those resulting from surrogacy or non-marital births.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all health insurance plans in Massachusetts cover the treatment of vitiligo as a chronic autoimmune disease. It directly affects state employees, Medicaid recipients, and individuals with private health insurance by requiring insurers to include these treatments in their coverage. The legislation specifically ensures that mental health services related to vitiligo are also covered under these plans. By amending multiple sections of state law, the bill standardizes insurance requirements across different types of health coverage within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands health insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for women. It mandates that insurance plans cover baseline mammograms for women aged 35 to 40 and annual mammograms for those 40 and older, while also providing earlier screenings for younger women with specific risk factors like family history or dense breast tissue. The legislation requires coverage for advanced imaging options, such as ultrasound and MRI, when medically necessary due to abnormalities or high-risk conditions, and ensures these services are free of co-pays, deductibles, or dollar limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates running for public office in Massachusetts to use campaign funds to pay for child care services during campaign activities. It defines child care to include babysitting from various providers and permits payments to family members only if they operate a professional daycare or charge market rates. The legislation also requires the director of campaign finance to create specific regulations governing these expenses by December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove the term "children born out of wedlock" and replace it with "nonmarital children and parentage of children," aiming to ensure all children receive equal legal rights regardless of their parents' marital status. It establishes a public policy that every child must have the same protections under the law, irrespective of the parents' gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By updating the title of Chapter 209C and adding a new section, the legislation seeks to eliminate legal distinctions based on how a child was conceived or the family structure of their parents.

By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2360) of David Paul Linsky and others relative to 3D printed weapons and ghost guns. Public Safety and Homeland Security.