Rep. Marjorie Decker

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish a standardized definition for Long COVID (PASC) aligned with national guidelines. It mandates the department to develop a case report form collecting specific patient data - including gender, race, symptoms, infection dates, and diagnosis details - and begin active monitoring of Long COVID cases six months after the law takes effect. The department must publish annual public reports on surveillance findings and submit a detailed progress report to state legislators within one year. This directly affects the state health department's operations and all Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID through the data collection process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers selling menstrual products (like tampons, pads, cups, and underwear) in Massachusetts to disclose all ingredients on product packaging and online. Labels must list ingredients in order of predominance using visible 10-point font, and manufacturers must update both packaging and online disclosures when ingredients change. The law applies to all manufacturers whose products are sold in the state, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine per offense. It takes effect 12 months after passage and supplements existing labeling requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific fees for court transcripts in Massachusetts. It establishes rates of $4.50 per page for original transcripts (reduced to $0.15 per page for low-income individuals) and $1.50 per page for copies, with higher "rush" fees of $6.75 and $2.25. The bill also requires annual fee adjustments starting in 2030 based on the Consumer Price Index. These fees apply when parties request transcripts, while court-ordered transcripts (e.g., by a judge or district attorney in criminal cases) are paid by the court. The law directly affects individuals, attorneys, and courts involved in legal proceedings requiring transcript copies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that donate food to nonprofits serving the needy, and provides liability protection for donors and recipients. Businesses can claim a non-refundable tax credit equal to the fair market value of donated food (capped at $25,000 annually), provided the food is distributed without charge or at minimal cost to cover handling. It also shields donors and nonprofit food distributors from civil liability for injuries related to donated food (including expired "open-dated" food), unless the food was adulterated or donated under gross negligence. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a certification from the nonprofit confirming the food was distributed per the bill’s requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical examiners to complete autopsies and provide reports to legally entitled parties within 90 days of taking jurisdiction, unless a notice of delay with a new completion date and reason is given. It mandates that medical examiners submit annual reports by December 31 each even-numbered year to legislative committees, detailing how many autopsies were completed on time, how many were delayed, and the specific reasons for delays. The law directly affects medical examiners, families legally entitled to autopsy reports, and legislative oversight committees. Key provisions set clear timelines for report delivery and create transparency through mandatory annual data reporting on autopsy processing times.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to develop standards for identifying and fixing indoor air pollution and mold in schools, nursing homes, public housing, childcare centers, and other residential buildings. The task force, including health and environmental officials plus community representatives, must submit recommendations within one year, including public comment periods. It also requires the Department of Public Health to create new regulations by December 2026 for monitoring ultrafine particles and black carbon in indoor air, based on current health science. These rules will apply to both existing and new buildings, directly affecting residents and staff in the specified facilities.

Maddy summaryH 4590 creates a task force to address indoor air pollution in schools, care facilities, housing, and other community buildings. The task force, including health, environmental, and community experts, must develop recommendations for monitoring and fixing air quality issues within one year, with public input required before finalizing. It also mandates the Department of Public Health to create regulations by July 2027 for testing ultrafine particles and black carbon in indoor air, based on current health science. These regulations will require standard testing procedures and public reporting for existing and new buildings. The bill directly affects residents and staff in the specified facilities by establishing new air quality standards and oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 3401 requires state and county correctional facilities to provide Narcan (an opioid antagonist) and education about its use to individuals upon release who have a history of opioid use, an opioid use disorder diagnosis, or a prior opioid overdose. The bill mandates that facilities dispense at least two doses of Narcan to these individuals or their legal guardian, along with instructions on proper use and community access points. This policy directly affects people transitioning from incarceration who are at high risk for opioid overdose. The law aims to reduce overdose deaths by ensuring immediate access to life-saving medication during a critical post-release period.

Maddy summaryH 4593 is a procedural bill that extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Health to report on five specific pending bills (documents 2383, 2417, 2438, 3955, and 4122). It grants the committee until Friday, November 7, 2025, to complete its review and submit final reports on these documents, overriding the standard House Rule 27 deadline. This bill directly affects the Public Health committee and the legislative process for those five specific bills. The bill was adopted by the House on October 8, 2025, after passing through committee and rules procedures. It does not change policy but adjusts procedural timelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for library materials and student expression in Massachusetts schools. It requires school libraries to select materials based on educational value and age-appropriateness (not personal views), and mandates that challenged materials remain available until a school committee reviews them after a public hearing. School committees must follow specific procedures to remove materials, requiring "clear and convincing evidence" they lack educational value. The bill directly affects school librarians, school committees, and students by safeguarding library access and providing legal protections for librarians who follow approved selection policies.