Rep. Margaret Scarsdale

Maddy summaryHD 3390 modifies Massachusetts tax law to address income from foreign entities. It specifies that amounts included in federal income under Section 951A of the IRS Code (related to global intangible low-taxed income) will no longer be treated as dividends for state tax purposes, and taxpayers can only deduct 50% of this income instead of the full amount. This primarily affects businesses and individuals with foreign income subject to Section 951A provisions. The changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover and reimburse new telehealth services, including e-consults (provider-to-provider digital advice), e-visits (patient-initiated digital check-ins), and remote monitoring of health data. It directly affects patients seeking virtual care, healthcare providers delivering telehealth services, and insurance carriers. Key provisions mandate coverage for these services without extra prior authorization compared to in-person visits, include interpreter services for non-English speakers or Deaf patients, and require insurers to offer digital health literacy programs for patients with low tech skills. The bill also creates a shared portal for applying to affordable broadband programs to support digital access.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits mandatory overtime for healthcare workers in specific Massachusetts facilities, including hospitals and certain correctional facilities (excluding long-term care and most correctional settings). It allows overtime only during true emergencies with no reasonable alternatives, requires facilities to seek voluntary coverage first, and limits consecutive work to 16 hours with 8 hours off afterward. Facilities must report all mandatory overtime use to health authorities, and workers cannot face retaliation for refusing overtime beyond these limits. The law directly affects nurses, support staff, and other healthcare personnel in covered facilities, aiming to protect patient safety and staff well-being.

Maddy summaryHD 1867 increases payment rates for mental health services provided by clinics and independent practitioners. Starting January 2027, it requires a 5% minimum rate increase per service code and mandates that clinics receive at least 20% more payment than independent practitioners for comparable services. The bill also requires biennial reviews of these rates, considering inflation (using Medicare Economic Index data), wage comparisons to state labor statistics, and costs from new government mandates. This directly affects mental health clinics, independent practitioners, and managed care entities that pay for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide targets requiring Massachusetts health care entities to increase primary care spending as a percentage of total health care expenditures. It sets specific annual targets: 10% for 2027, 12.5% for 2028, and 15% for 2029, with future adjustments capped between 15-20%. The commission must hold public hearings annually to review progress, publish targets online, and establish a 25-member Primary Care Council to monitor implementation. The bill directly affects all health care providers, insurers, and the state health care system by mandating measurable increases in primary care funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4795) proposes amendments to the charter of the town of Groton, Massachusetts. Sponsored by Representatives Scarsdale and Sena with local approval from Groton, it seeks to modify the town's governing charter. The official abstract does not specify the exact changes to the charter provisions. As a procedural municipal charter amendment, it directly affects Groton's local governance structure and operations. The bill focuses on administrative or structural changes rather than substantive policy.

Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to senior property tax credits. Revenue.

Senate, June 25, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 2243),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3145).

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to teacher preparation and student literacy (House, No. 4683), reports, recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5511).