Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to replace outdated terms like "handicapped" and "mentally retarded" with modern, person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disabilities." The legislation directly affects various statutes within Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover areas including employment, veterans' benefits, and general disability protections. By systematically changing these specific words throughout the legal code, the bill ensures that official state documents use respectful and current terminology when referring to people with disabilities.

Senate, December 30, 2024 -- The committee on The Judiciary, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2835) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to adoptions outside of the Commonwealth; and (accompanied by bill, House Bill, No. 4709) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to adoptions outside of the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3009).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools and colleges in Massachusetts to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone and text number on all student identification cards. The law applies to students in grades 6 through 12 in public schools and to all students at public and private higher education institutions. Starting July 1, 2023, any new cards issued or replacements for lost or damaged cards must include this contact information, though existing unused cards from before that date may still be distributed. The measure aims to make mental health support resources more visible and accessible to students by integrating them directly into everyday identification items.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure (House, No. 4758), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5143).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance and health laws to improve pain management and substance use disorder treatment for public employees and medical professionals. It requires group insurance plans for state workers to cover non-opioid pain treatments, such as acupuncture and behavioral therapy, without needing prior approval, and mandates that opioid reversal drugs and recovery coach services be fully covered with no deductibles or copayments. Additionally, the legislation mandates that doctors and pharmacists complete specific training on non-opioid pain alternatives and overdose prevention, while requiring pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of opioid antagonists.

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2220) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to the Department of Public Health establishing a statewide coordinated stroke care system. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for teachers who move between school districts and state education offices to ensure their retirement benefits remain consistent. It clarifies that educators working for the executive office of education or the department of elementary and secondary education will keep their status as teachers and stay in the teachers' or Boston retirement systems without interruption. Additionally, the bill offers a one-time chance for certain long-term members of these retirement systems to join an alternative savings program, requiring them to pay back contributions at a specific rate if they choose to participate.

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2630) of Alice Hanlon Peisch and others relative to retirement benefits for teachers. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals specific fiscal stability procedures that were previously established for the towns of Chesterfield and Goshen in 2005. By removing these rules, the legislation allows these two municipalities to operate without the earlier financial constraints. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in December 2024.

By Representative Murray of Milford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brian W. Murray and others relative to disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles. Transportation.