Rep. Michelle Badger

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants, schools, sports leagues, and other public venues to purchase and keep epinephrine autoinjectors on-site to treat severe allergic reactions. To do so, these locations must get approval from the state department, ensure their staff completes specific emergency training, and store the devices in easily accessible places. Trained employees are authorized to use these injectors on anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, even if the person does not have a personal prescription for the medication. The law also provides legal protection from lawsuits for these venues and their staff when administering the drug in good faith, while requiring them to report each use to the state for public analysis.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the town charter of Plymouth, Massachusetts, to update its foundational governance structure. It replaces Chapter 1 with new provisions defining the town's incorporation, scope of powers, and key terms (like "by-law" and "Town Agency"), while Chapter 2 restructures the Representative Town Meeting. The changes specify that each precinct elects nine members (three per annual election), require the Town Clerk to post meeting notices online and in public spaces, and clarify that members serve without pay. These updates directly affect Plymouth residents participating in town meetings and the town's local government operations.

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely relative to student access to food and nutritional information. Higher Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases access to epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions by allowing pharmacists to dispense autoinjectors without a prescription under a statewide standing order, with liability protection for good-faith actions. It also shields first responders from drug possession charges when seeking medical help for anaphylaxis and permits businesses (like schools, restaurants, and sports venues) to maintain and store epinephrine supplies with staff training. Pharmacists must complete anaphylaxis recognition training, and all entities must report dispensing data anonymously to the state. The law aims to make emergency treatment more accessible while protecting those administering it.

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger relative to a transfer of retirement benefits for Valeria D'Orazio an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Public Service.

Maddy summaryHD 4041 requires the state of Massachusetts to cover the full cost of fringe benefits (including pensions and health insurance) and incremental salary increases from collective bargaining agreements for employees at public universities and colleges. It applies to faculty and staff covered by agreements with the University of Massachusetts or the Board of Higher Education, excluding grant-funded or auxiliary positions. The bill mandates that these institutions must certify each agreement will ensure average salaries for each job category reach at least the national average (adjusted for cost of living) by the contract’s end. This shifts funding responsibility from institutions to the state budget for these specific costs.

Maddy summaryHD 2470 requires Massachusetts school districts and education collaboratives to provide paid family and medical leave to all their educators. The bill expands eligibility under the state's family and medical leave program to include educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for this purpose. Crucially, it mandates that school districts fund their required employer contributions using existing income surtax revenue, rather than employee payroll deductions. This ensures educators can access paid leave without additional costs to the school districts, while preserving their benefits like health insurance and seniority during leave.

By Representatives Luddy of Orleans and Tarsky of Needham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Hadley Luddy for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to study access to unemployment insurance. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger for legislation to establish to a board of registration of licensed mental health counselors. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4553) requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover specific dental and oral care for head and neck cancer survivors. It directly affects state employees (active and retired) and private insurance policyholders by mandating coverage for: dental care before cancer treatment (like chemotherapy/radiation), post-treatment care to address side effects (tooth decay, infections), and rehabilitation services (including dental implants, speech/swallowing aids, and devices to restore appearance). The law applies to state group insurance plans, health insurance divisions, and private insurance policies covering hospital/surgical benefits. It specifies coverage for preventative care, medically necessary procedures, and rehabilitation tied directly to head and neck cancer treatment or its side effects.