Maddy summaryThis bill creates a student loan repayment program for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based human services organizations (funded by state health, elder affairs, housing, or early education offices) who provide client support. Key provisions include: offering up to $30,000 in repayment assistance based on education level (associate, bachelor's, or master's degree), requiring a 1-3 year service commitment in an eligible setting, and prioritizing applicants working in designated health disparity communities (AHEM areas), earning under $60,000 annually, or possessing language skills matching community needs. The program aims to recruit and retain workers in high-need areas by reducing their student debt burden.
Rep. Marjorie Decker
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1127) of Marjorie C. Decker, Susannah M. Whipps and others relative to insurance coverage and access to nurse-midwifery services. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryHD 2335 requires health insurers and Medicaid plans in Massachusetts to cover biomarker testing for patients when the test is supported by medical evidence, such as FDA approvals, CMS guidelines, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. It directly affects patients needing personalized treatment (e.g., cancer care) and insurers, mandating coverage for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases. Key provisions include strict timelines for prior authorization decisions (72 hours standard, 24 hours in emergencies), limits on requiring multiple biopsies, and clear processes for patients to appeal coverage denials. The bill ensures access to evidence-based testing without unnecessary delays or disruptions in care.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all colleges and universities (including public institutions, private occupational schools, and private colleges) and all public/private elementary/secondary schools in Massachusetts to implement mandatory fire safety education. Schools must provide a comprehensive curriculum covering fire prevention, escape procedures, and responses to specific fire types (like kitchen, electrical, or vehicle fires) and carbon monoxide poisoning. Students must complete the curriculum and pass an exam to demonstrate proficiency, with schools required to finish this by the end of 10th grade. The law applies to all institutions of higher education and K-12 schools, excluding colleges from the K-12 school definition.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4157) of Marjorie C. Decker (with the approval of the city council) for legislation to further regulate procurements by the city of Cambridge. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4370) sets specific fees for court transcript requests. It establishes rates of $4.50 per page for original transcripts, $1.50 for copies, and $7.50 for electronic copies (in open-source format), with reduced rates for indigent individuals ($0.15/page) and rush requests ($6.75/page for originals). The bill also specifies that courts, not parties, pay for transcripts ordered by judges or prosecutors in criminal cases. It directly affects courts, legal parties, and indigent defendants by standardizing transcript costs and payment responsibilities.
Maddy summaryH 4373 creates a tax credit for Massachusetts food businesses (like restaurants, farms, and grocery stores) that donate food to qualified nonprofits serving the needy. Donors can claim a credit equal to the fair market value of donated food (up to $25,000 annually), provided the nonprofit distributes it free or at cost with proper certification. The bill also provides legal liability protection for donors and distributors of donated food (including expired items), shielding them from civil damages unless the food was misbranded, handled negligently, or violated health regulations. It excludes alcohol, marijuana, and dietary supplements from coverage. This law directly affects food businesses, nonprofits, and food distribution programs across Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryHD 3713 establishes an Office of the Condominium Ombudsman within the Attorney General's office to handle complaints from condo owners, boards, and managers. The office will resolve disputes, provide education on rights and responsibilities, and develop resources for condo associations, funded by a $50 fee paid by sellers during condo sales over $100. It also creates a Mediation Pilot Program using two mediators to help resolve conflicts without binding decisions, with eligibility based on owner income/property value and a $200 fee (waivable for low-income owners, seniors, or those deemed indigent). The ombudsman must report findings to the Attorney General, Legislature, and other agencies, and recommend policy changes. This bill directly affects all condominium owners, boards, and management associations in the state.
By Representative Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile and James K. Hawkins relative to emergency preparedness and responsible deployment of the Massachusetts National Guard. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2144) requires Massachusetts public schools to better support English learner students and those with disabilities. It mandates that assessments for English learners be administered in their primary language, and that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams include specialists in second language acquisition to distinguish between language barriers and learning disabilities. The bill also prohibits schools from pressuring parents to decline English learner services for scheduling reasons and requires schools to provide qualified interpreters for parent communication. These changes directly affect English learner students, their families, and school staff responsible for evaluations and IEP planning.