Rep. Kim Ferguson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts insurance laws to prevent drivers from receiving surcharges if they are caught operating a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker. By explicitly stating that this specific violation is not a surchargeable incident, the legislation aims to stop insurance companies from raising premiums for drivers solely due to this infraction. The change directly affects drivers in the state who may have previously faced higher insurance costs for this particular issue. It does not alter penalties for driving with an expired sticker, only the financial consequences related to insurance premiums.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pregnant individuals in Massachusetts to enroll in state health insurance plans within 30 days of confirming their pregnancy, rather than waiting for the end of a standard open enrollment period. To qualify, the pregnancy must be certified by a licensed healthcare provider, and if enrolled, the health coverage would begin on the first day of the month that certification is received. The law applies to all qualified health plans available through the state health insurance exchange and is designed to ensure timely access to care during pregnancy. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how health plans and pharmaceutical benefit managers use "maximum allowable cost" lists to determine the highest price they will pay for prescription drugs. The commission will consist of ten members representing government officials, health plans, pharmacists, and advocates for providers, pharmaceutical companies, and benefit managers. Its primary task is to examine current practices, financial impacts, industry standards, and transparency regarding these pricing lists. Within 180 days of passing, the commission must submit a report with its findings and any proposed legislation to relevant state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies in Massachusetts from charging fees for processing electronic transactions unless they provide written notification to the customer beforehand. It directly affects drivers and policyholders who pay their auto insurance bills online by ensuring they are informed of any associated costs. The key provision amends existing state law to require written notice before any fee can be applied to an electronic payment. This change aims to increase transparency for consumers regarding potential charges on digital transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a commission to evaluate the feasibility of preferred pharmacy networks, which would direct consumers to specific pharmacies where insurers can negotiate lower drug prices. The commission will be composed of legislative leaders and designated officials from state health agencies, including the Department of Public Health and the Center for Health Information and Analysis. Its primary task is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and estimate potential savings from implementing these networks. Within 12 months of passing, the commission must submit a report with its findings and any proposed legislation to relevant state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts laws to allow individuals with felony convictions to apply for certain alcoholic beverage licenses if their crime occurred more than ten years ago. It requires licensing authorities to review an applicant's rehabilitation and decide whether to reject them automatically based on their past conviction. The changes directly affect people seeking Section 12 and Section 15 liquor licenses who have older felony records, giving them a chance to prove they have reformed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require health insurers to pay ambulance service providers directly for emergency services rendered to insured individuals, even when the provider is not part of the insurer's existing network. The legislation mandates that insurers make these payments promptly once an insured person signs an assignment of benefits or is unable to do so due to their condition. By establishing a direct payment pathway, the bill aims to ensure that emergency medical transport providers receive compensation without relying on the insured to pay out-of-pocket first. This change applies to all types of insurance policies covering transportation services within the state, including those held by individuals and organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the MassMade Program within the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to identify, connect, and support local businesses that produce consumer goods within the state. The program will create a publicly accessible resource for consumers to find locally made products while helping businesses identify obstacles and serving as a hub for regional economic organizations. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on encouraging local companies to bid on state projects and mandates a feasibility study for an online system to facilitate the exchange of procurement information related to Massachusetts-made goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve school safety in Massachusetts by requiring cities and towns to create a special phone line for reporting threats to schools. It mandates that participating municipalities assign a school resource officer to every school building during regular hours and provides state assistance for funding physical security upgrades like hardened locks and surveillance systems. Additionally, the legislation requires school districts to implement specific training for students and staff on how to respond to active shooter situations, along with regular safety audits. Districts must also submit annual reports on their safety policies and activities to state agencies, while keeping specific security plans confidential to protect school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to review state requirements placed on public schools and districts that are not fully funded by the state. The group will consist of 11 members, including education committee chairs, legislative leaders, the commissioner of education, and representatives from various school organizations. The task force will identify existing laws and reporting rules, suggest ways to simplify or remove unfunded mandates, and calculate the total estimated cost these requirements impose on local municipalities. It must hold at least one public hearing and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within 12 months of the first meeting.