By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2016) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to payments in lieu of taxation by organizations exempt from the property tax. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1026) requires the Division to cover medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21+ who have developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder and are covered under Chapter 118E. It mandates coverage for treatments like applied behavior analysis (provided by licensed professionals) and both dedicated and non-dedicated communication devices (including tablets), as determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist. The policy directly affects eligible adults with these diagnoses, ensuring state-funded access to specific therapies and assistive devices previously not guaranteed under the existing coverage. It does not change eligibility criteria but expands required coverage for defined treatments and devices.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and MassHealth providers from billing QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) beneficiaries for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing, such as deductibles or co-pays. It directly protects low-income Medicare beneficiaries in the QMB eligibility group, who qualify for full Medicare cost-sharing assistance under federal and state law. Providers who violate this rule face potential sanctions, including monetary fines, within 90 days of the law taking effect, though minor errors or good-faith mistakes may be considered mitigating circumstances. The law aims to prevent improper billing by requiring providers to comply with existing cost-sharing protections for this specific beneficiary group.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for paid caregiving under MassHealth's home and community-based services program. It directly affects legally liable family members (including parents, guardians, adult children, and others with legal responsibility) who currently may be excluded from being paid caregivers. The key provision amends the law to explicitly include these individuals within the definition of "family member" for payment purposes, removing barriers imposed by existing statutes. MassHealth must then file a required state plan amendment or waiver to implement this change. The policy change modifies program eligibility rules without altering funding or creating new services.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts correctional facilities to provide free contraceptive services - including reversible methods, emergency contraception, and nonprescription options - to all incarcerated individuals capable of pregnancy upon request, with no unnecessary obstacles. It mandates family planning counseling 60-180 days before release, ensures continuity of prescribed birth control methods, and requires facilities to post clear information about reproductive health rights. For pregnant individuals, the bill guarantees they can determine their own abortion eligibility under state law, with informed consent required and prison staff barred from making such decisions. The Department of Correction must implement these changes within one year of passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 4040) requires all welding, cutting, and hot works training programs in Massachusetts to use a specific National Fire Protection Association program or an equivalent system with an electronic worker status database, multilingual classes, identity verification, and annual refresher training. It adds "criminal negligence" to define repeated, reckless failure to follow safety rules, making such non-compliance potentially punishable as a crime. Penalties for violating welding/cutting rules escalate with offenses: first offense up to $1,000, second up to $2,000 or 1 year in jail, and third+ offenses up to 0.25% of project value or $10,000. The bill also mandates a public system (online database, quarterly reports) to track and notify about safety violations affecting workers and property owners.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon and Manny Cruz for legislation to further regulate the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops. Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.
By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.
Senate, October 14, 2025 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1618) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Erika Uyterhoeven, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote community immunity, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2623).
