By Representative Cassidy of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2145) of Gerard J. Cassidy relative to truth in advertising by certain health care practitioners. Public Health.
By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2221) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others that the Department of Public Health establish a voluntary certification training program for care of certain patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. 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 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.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 23-member task force to study and recommend a statewide framework for social emotional learning and mental health support for students from birth through higher education. The committee includes representatives from various educational, health, and advocacy organizations, and it must meet regularly to address topics such as suicide prevention, the impact of social media on youth, and strategies for integrating these supports into school curricula. Within two years of passing, the task force will submit its findings to state officials, who are then required to publish guidance for school districts on how to implement these mental health and behavioral health strategies by December 2026. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to mandate that school safety plans include partnerships with community health organizations to help refer students needing extra support.
By Representatives González of Springfield and Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2811) of Carlos González, Michael J. Moran and others for legislation to establish a tax incentive program for micro businesses to hire formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals receiving transitional benefits. Revenue.
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2940) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Paul W. Mark and others relative to providing tax credits for subscriptions to one or more local newspapers. Revenue.
By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2736) of Tackey Chan and others for legislation to provide an income tax credit for child care expenses. Revenue.
