Rep. Brad Jones

Maddy summaryHD 3737 establishes a commission to study direct primary care services in Massachusetts, where patients pay doctors directly for care without insurance involvement. The commission will examine benefits like lower costs, cost transparency, better access to care, and improved health outcomes, then develop strategies to promote these services. Composed of state health officials, legislative leaders, healthcare industry representatives, and patient advocates, the commission must hold at least three public hearings and submit a report with recommendations within 12 months. This bill does not change current law but creates a study to inform future policy decisions about expanding direct primary care. The commission's work aims to ease pressure on the healthcare system and improve patient access.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires general acute care hospitals in Massachusetts to include fentanyl testing in standard urine drug screenings when treating patients for diagnosis. It directly affects hospitals that conduct such screenings, mandating they test for fentanyl alongside other drugs like opioids and cocaine. The key provision specifies that "urine drug screening" must now include fentanyl, with the Department of Public Health authorized to create necessary regulations for implementation. This policy change aims to improve detection of fentanyl exposure in medical settings without altering existing screening protocols for other substances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-wide program to collect and redistribute unused, unopened, tamper-evident medicines from authorized donors (like pharmacies, hospitals, and manufacturers) to eligible patients who are indigent, uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in public health programs. Donated medicines must be in unopened packaging (with limited exceptions for certain orally administered cancer medicines), not controlled substances, and meet safety standards like proper storage and labeling. Recipients must verify donor eligibility and maintain minimal records but can store donated medicine separately, repackage it as needed, and administer it to eligible patients with proper documentation. The program aims to reduce medicine waste while expanding access to affordable medications for vulnerable populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill gradually eliminates the inventory tax on business property in Massachusetts. It reduces the tax rate from $2.60 per $100 of inventory value to $0.50 over multiple steps, with final implementation by 2030. The key mechanism shifts the tax from a flat rate to a declining percentage of net income (starting at 9.5% for 2020-2021 and decreasing to 8.0% for 2022+). These changes directly affect businesses that pay the inventory tax, primarily commercial entities holding physical inventory. The phased approach spans from 2026 through 2030, with specific effective dates for each rate reduction step.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1327) requires a 3-month waiting period before any new tax can be collected after legislation creating that tax is passed. It directly affects all new taxes established by state law, including those proposed in bills or amendments. The key provision states that no new tax may be collected, assessed, or payable until 90 days after the bill creating it becomes law. This delays implementation but does not change tax rates or create new taxes. The bill applies to all new tax measures, not existing ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a drought management task force within the state office to coordinate water supply efforts during dry periods. The task force will include representatives from multiple state agencies, water authorities, and public organizations, meeting monthly when drought conditions exist. It establishes a process for declaring drought levels, implementing water conservation measures like limiting outdoor water use, and enforcing these restrictions across cities and towns. The bill also requires the development of a statewide drought management plan that is reviewed and updated regularly with public input.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are blood-thinning pesticides, by limiting their registration and allowing emergency use only under strict conditions. It directly affects pest control professionals, public health officials, and property owners who manage rodent infestations. The key provisions ban the registration of these chemicals except for emergencies, require their use to be limited to 14 days in a single location, mandate non-chemical pest control methods, and require detailed reporting to the state department. Additionally, the bill establishes annual public reporting on where and how these pesticides were used during emergency situations. The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2028.

Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1569) of Jason M. Lewis, Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2854).

Maddy summaryHD 1336 requires Massachusetts state agencies to give preference to vendors with cybersecurity insurance when buying information technology goods or services. This applies specifically to IT procurement contracts, meaning agencies must prioritize bids from vendors holding such insurance. However, the bill explicitly states that vendors without cybersecurity insurance can still submit bids and be awarded contracts - they are simply not given priority. The law aims to encourage stronger cybersecurity practices among vendors working with state agencies without banning uninsured vendors entirely.

Maddy summaryHD 1446 establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists in participating states to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This "compact privilege" eliminates redundant licensing requirements, promotes workforce mobility (especially for military members and spouses), and creates a streamlined process for cross-state practice. The compact requires practitioners to follow each state's scope of practice rules and enables states to share disciplinary information and monitor licensure. It directly affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work across state lines and aims to improve public access to dental services in underserved areas.