Rep. Michelle Badger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools to maintain a stock supply of non-patient-specific epinephrine auto-injectors for immediate use during severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It mandates schools to store the medication in accessible locations, determine appropriate quantities based on student population, train authorized staff, and regularly check expiration dates. The law also provides legal immunity for school staff who administer epinephrine in good faith during emergencies, protecting them and their school districts from civil liability. Additionally, the health and education departments must seek federal funding or free epinephrine from pharmaceutical companies to support implementation.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 619) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to the availability of sunscreen for students. Education.

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 862) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to MassHealth reimbursement for schools. Health Care Financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1854) requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees, retirees, and private insurance policies in Massachusetts to provide coverage for specific dental and oral care related to head and neck cancer. It mandates coverage for pre-cancer dental care (to prevent infection or decay), dental procedures before cancer treatment (like chemotherapy), and post-cancer care (to address treatment side effects such as tooth loss or infection). The bill also covers dental implants, prostheses, rehabilitation services, and patient education necessary to restore function (eating, speaking, swallowing) and appearance affected by cancer or its treatment. These requirements apply to group insurance plans (Chapter 32A), health insurance (Chapter 118E), private medical insurance (Chapter 175), and hospital service plans (Chapter 176A).

Maddy summaryHD 3787 requires health insurers in Massachusetts to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices without discrimination based on disability. It mandates coverage for devices designed for daily use and specific physical activities (like swimming or running), including repairs and replacements when medically necessary. The bill prohibits insurers from imposing stricter cost-sharing for these devices than for other medical services and ensures access to at least two in-network providers. This directly affects residents with limb loss or difference who rely on prosthetics or orthotics for mobility and daily function.

Maddy summaryHD 1791 requires all public schools in the Commonwealth to stop using athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference, represent, or are associated with Native Americans, including specific tribes or cultural elements. Within three months, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must create a list of affected schools, which the Commission on Indian Affairs will review and publish. Schools on this list must develop a plan to phase out these mascots within three years through a formal agreement with the Department, consulting with tribal representatives. The bill also prohibits schools from adopting new mascots that reference Native American cultures and denies state education grants to schools that fail to comply.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts schools (public, private, charter, and religious) to adopt formal abuse prevention policies and implement specific safety measures. It mandates biennial training for school staff on recognizing, preventing, and reporting abuse or sexual misconduct, and requires age-appropriate student education on boundaries, healthy relationships, and reporting concerns. Schools must also conduct thorough background checks on applicants for positions involving direct student contact, including verifying employment history and any past investigations into misconduct allegations. The bill directly affects educators, school staff, and students by establishing standardized safety protocols and reporting procedures across all school settings.

Maddy summaryHD 2293 amends Massachusetts General Laws to require building inspectors to also conduct plumbing and gas fitting inspections. This bill directly affects licensed building inspectors who now have expanded responsibilities under state law. The key provision adds "plumbing inspection" and "gas fitting inspection" to the list of duties inspectors must perform, modifying section 4J(b) of Chapter 40. The change clarifies that inspectors must oversee these specific trades during building inspections, streamlining oversight for related construction work.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates election law to use gender-neutral language throughout Chapter 53 of the General Laws. It replaces gendered terms like "him," "his," "he," "chairman," and "alderman" with neutral alternatives such as "them," "their," "they," "chairperson," and "alderperson." The changes apply specifically to election statutes, including voter registration forms, candidate information, and election official titles. The bill makes no substantive policy changes but ensures the language used in election law is inclusive and non-gendered.

Maddy summaryHD 567 establishes an Ocean Acidification Council to address coastal acidification and nutrient pollution. The council, composed of state agency heads and public members, will coordinate monitoring efforts, create a centralized data repository, and conduct studies on acidification impacts to key species (like lobsters and oysters) and nutrient pollution sources. It mandates annual "Ocean Acidification Awareness Week" in August and directs funding toward nature-based solutions for stormwater management and nutrient reduction. The bill directly affects coastal communities, shellfish industries, and environmental monitoring groups by requiring data-driven strategies to protect marine habitats and fisheries.