Rep. Marc Lombardo

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 350) of Ryan C. Fattman, Katie Ferriera-Aubin, , Marc T. Lombardo and David F. DeCoste for legislation to ensure that no public school shall require any student athlete on a single-sex sports team to participate in a match, or any part thereof, against an opposing team that includes one or more athletes of the opposite sex. Education.

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo relative to civil immigration detainers and state and local law cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Massachusetts public schools from requiring student athletes on single-sex sports teams (girls' or boys' teams, not co-ed) to compete against opposing teams with athletes of the opposite sex. It also bans schools from penalizing students who refuse such matches or coaches who forfeit matches under these circumstances. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and athletic associations like the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cannot penalize schools, coaches, or athletes for forfeiting these matches, though forfeits may be recorded as losses. The law directly affects student athletes, coaches, and athletic organizations in public high schools and middle schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts public school districts to develop safety guidelines and classification standards for cheerleading as a sport, directly affecting all school districts and student participants. School districts must create these guidelines in consultation with the education department, establish safety protocols, and mandate sport-specific coach training. The requirements apply in addition to existing rules under Section 47 of the General Laws, ensuring cheerleading programs meet standardized safety and operational criteria. The policy aims to formalize cheerleading's status as a recognized sport within school athletic programs.

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marc T. Lombardo for legislation to increase the allowable earnings for individuals pensioned or retired for disability. Public Service.

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure (House, No. 4758), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 5143).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state insurance and health laws to improve pain management and substance use disorder treatment for public employees and medical professionals. It requires group insurance plans for state workers to cover non-opioid pain treatments, such as acupuncture and behavioral therapy, without needing prior approval, and mandates that opioid reversal drugs and recovery coach services be fully covered with no deductibles or copayments. Additionally, the legislation mandates that doctors and pharmacists complete specific training on non-opioid pain alternatives and overdose prevention, while requiring pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a continuous supply of opioid antagonists.

By Representative Murray of Milford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Brian W. Murray and others relative to disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles. Transportation.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Peter J. Durant, Ryan C. Fattman, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the General Court for legislation to enhance the authority of courts to protect public safety. The Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies administering specific assistance programs to verify that applicants are U.S. citizens or lawfully present aliens before providing benefits. It mandates the use of the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to check eligibility for transitional financial aid, low-income housing, WIC nutrition assistance, and MassHealth medical coverage. The legislation directly affects the state departments responsible for these programs, instructing them to register for and utilize the federal verification system. By adding these verification steps, the bill ensures that public funds are distributed only to individuals who meet federal immigration status requirements.