Rep. Sean Garballey

Maddy summaryHD 1353 increases monthly benefits for low-income households receiving state assistance programs. It mandates a 20% annual benefit increase starting July 1, 2025, until payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level for each household size. Once this target is met, benefits will automatically adjust each July to maintain at least 50% of the federal poverty level. The bill also includes adjustments for clothing allowances and rental costs for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families relying on these state assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHD 2507 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover at least six sessions of preventive behavioral health services for children under 21 who screen positive for emotional concerns like anxiety or depression, or for infants whose caregivers screen positive for postpartum depression. These services - such as short-term group, individual, or family counseling to build coping skills - must be covered without prior authorization or patient cost-sharing, except for tax-exempt plans that would lose status. The bill applies to all state employee plans, individual/group health insurance policies, and medical service agreements, mandating insurers to accept Social Determinants of Health Z-codes for billing these preventive services. It directly affects children, adolescents, and their caregivers by ensuring accessible, low-barrier mental wellness support before conditions escalate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to cover health insurance premiums for qualifying adjunct faculty at public higher education institutions. It defines eligible faculty as those teaching at least two 3-credit courses per semester (or four annually), regardless of funding source or employment term. The state will gradually increase its share of premium costs over five years, starting at 25% in the first year and reaching 75% by the sixth year. A working group must study adjunct faculty retirement benefits, compensation, and career pathways, reporting findings by December 2026. The bill directly affects adjunct faculty at state universities, community colleges, and UMass campuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Massachusetts' Executive Office of Health and Human Services to form a working group to study how state colleges and universities can claim federal Medicaid funds (Title XIX) for health services provided to students covered by MassHealth. It specifically examines opportunities for students of all ages, including those with disabilities and those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, as well as administrative and programmatic approaches to claiming these funds. The working group must produce a report by April 2027, including financial estimates of potential revenue, challenges, and a preliminary plan for pursuing these funds. The bill does not change current law but initiates a study to explore potential new revenue streams for public colleges.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Massachusetts' health and human services office to form a working group to study whether state colleges and universities can claim federal Medicaid (Title XIX) reimbursement for health services provided to students enrolled in MassHealth. It specifically examines feasibility for students of all ages, including those with disabilities, under- and over-22-year-olds, and those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The group must report by April 2025 with financial estimates, challenges, opportunities, and a potential workplan for pursuing this funding. The bill does not change current policy but requires a study to determine if additional revenue could be secured.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public schools serving grades 6-12 to provide free disposable menstrual products (like tampons and sanitary napkins) in school restrooms at no cost to students. Schools must ensure products are available conveniently without stigmatizing students seeking them. The requirement takes effect on August 1, 2026, and allows school districts to adjust product amounts based on student usage. The law directly affects public school students in grades 6-12 across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts to investigate sewage sludge management due to PFAS contamination found in all wastewater treatment plants. The Department of Environmental Protection must study current disposal methods, costs, and locations (like landfills or incinerators), then create a public master plan with goals for reducing sludge toxicity and volume. The plan will prioritize funding and technical help for wastewater facilities, especially in underserved communities, and include new grant programs to support cleaner treatment technologies. Farmers are granted immunity from lawsuits over PFAS in soil/products from standard practices, unless they produced or spread PFAS-containing materials like biosolids. The bill mandates regular public updates and plan revisions every 10 years to address evolving science and infrastructure needs.

By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 109) of James C. Arena-DeRosa and others relative to farming and damages caused by PFAS. Agriculture.