By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2881) of Marc T. Lombardo and Angelo L. D'Emilia for legislation to exempt municipalities from the gas tax. Revenue.
By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2880) of Marc T. Lombardo for legislation to lower the sales tax to five percent. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Board of Registration of Licensed Recovery Coaches within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to oversee the professional licensing of recovery coaches. The board will consist of twelve appointed members representing diverse backgrounds, including recovery coaches, individuals with lived experience of substance use disorders, and healthcare professionals. It creates a formal definition for "Licensed Recovery Coach" and sets the stage for a structured licensure process, ensuring that those providing recovery support services meet specific state standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands health coverage for state employees and retirees by mandating that their insurance plans cover opioid antagonists and licensed recovery coach services without deductibles or prior authorization. It also requires all medical practitioners to complete training on non-opioid pain management alternatives and the risks of opioid misuse before renewing their licenses. Additionally, the legislation directs pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of over-the-counter opioid antagonists and requires substance use disorder treatment facilities to educate patients and provide at least two doses of these medications upon discharge.
By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by resolve, House, No. 3083) of Marc T. Lombardo for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to identify a suitable location for a justice complex in Southern Middlesex County. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts state law to restrict in-state tuition eligibility at public colleges and universities to only U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It explicitly states that individuals who do not hold these federal immigration statuses will no longer qualify for reduced tuition rates. Additionally, the legislation requires the state to create standardized rules for proving residency and clarifies that the Massachusetts Maritime Academy may consider residents from specific neighboring states as in-state students.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Justina's Law, protects parents and legal guardians in Massachusetts from being charged with child abuse or neglect if they follow medical advice given by a licensed provider. It prevents mandatory reporters from filing abuse reports solely because a parent is adhering to a treatment plan recommended by a doctor or mental health professional. The law also establishes that a parent's decision to follow one provider's advice over another's is valid unless it involves an immediate life-threatening situation, and even then, such a decision can only be overridden with clear and convincing evidence.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to officially adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The change updates Chapter 151B to clarify that the term refers to hatred toward Jews and includes specific descriptions of how such hatred can be expressed through rhetoric or actions against individuals, property, and community institutions. By incorporating this external standard, the legislation provides a consistent framework for identifying antisemitism within the state's legal and administrative contexts.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that electricians in Massachusetts complete 21 hours of continuing education every three years to renew their licenses. The required training includes 15 hours of board-approved courses on electrical codes and regulations, plus 6 hours of self-selected professional development topics such as safety and business. Specific exemptions exist for instructors who teach the courses and for those who recently obtained their licenses, while penalties for non-compliance include denial of license renewal and potential disciplinary action.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to officially classify cheerleading as a sport within Massachusetts public schools. It requires school districts to create safety guidelines and mandates that all cheerleading coaches receive specialized training specific to the sport. These new rules are designed to ensure student safety and standardize participation while operating alongside existing educational regulations.
