Rep. Marc Lombardo

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require health care providers to report cases of in-utero substance exposure or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to the state department. The reporting must exclude parents' and infants' names and cannot be used as evidence of child abuse or neglect. Additionally, the legislation removes the classification of physical dependence on addictive drugs at birth as a mandatory reportable condition. These changes aim to ensure that medical professionals can share necessary health information without automatically triggering child welfare investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive initiative within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address pancreatic cancer through prevention, screening, education, and support programs. It creates a new advisory council composed of thirteen members from various medical and advocacy fields, including representatives from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the American Cancer Society, to guide these efforts. The council will recommend a system to certify hospitals that meet specific national care standards and work to ensure underserved areas have access to qualified facilities. Additionally, the council will investigate ways to share best practices among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

Senate, January 29, 2024 --The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 213) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 214) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to the licensure of appraisers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 262) of Tackey Chan, Paul R. Feeney and others relative to the licensure of appraisers, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2568).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board within the Division of Occupational Licensure to regulate professionals who assess vehicle damage. The board will consist of seven members appointed from the auto body repair industry, insurance companies, the Attorney General's office, and consumer representatives, with one member serving as chair. Key provisions include limiting members to two consecutive three-year terms and requiring vacancies to be filled within 60 days. The legislation aims to create a structured oversight body specifically for auto damage appraisers in Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans in Massachusetts who have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have served under honorable conditions, while the property must be their primary residence. The exemption covers a percentage of the home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating, with the state covering the resulting tax loss by reimbursing local municipalities. Additionally, the benefit extends to the surviving spouse if they continue to own and occupy the home after the veteran passes away.

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica (by request), a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly Calascibetta relative to metal detectors in public schools and municipal buildings. Municipalities and Regional Government.

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to eligibility for the emergency housing assistance program. Housing.

By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Peter J. Durant and others relative to eligibility for the emergency housing assistance program. Housing.

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to multi-family zoning in MBTA communities. Municipalities and Regional Government.

By Ms. Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1709) of Kay Khan and others for legislation to prohibit marriage of minors. The Judiciary.