Rep. Kristin Kassner

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates running for public office in Massachusetts to use campaign funds to pay for child care services during campaign activities. It defines child care to include babysitting from various providers and permits payments to family members only if they operate a professional daycare or charge market rates. The legislation also requires the director of campaign finance to create specific regulations governing these expenses by December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new requirement for the state's data advisory commission to study and recommend how the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should publish detailed special education data. The proposed data would include student-specific information on services received, such as assistive technology and behavioral plans, broken down by factors like race, gender, income status, and disability category while ensuring no personally identifiable information is revealed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that private special education schools receiving state funding submit annual financial reports and audits to the department and state auditor, with specific details on compensation and program costs. A separate provision directs the secretary of education to study best practices for overseeing these private schools to ensure appropriate educational programming and services are provided.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study the financial stability and effectiveness of special education programs across Massachusetts. The commission will include state legislators, education officials, and representatives from school districts, parents, and professional associations. Its main tasks involve analyzing student enrollment costs, reviewing transportation and placement systems, and exploring ways to improve service delivery while reducing expenses. The group must submit its findings and recommendations to state lawmakers by January 1, 2024.

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and Samantha Montaño relative to insurance coverage of hearing aids. Financial Services.

March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the distribution, sale, and use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on agricultural land in Massachusetts after December 31, 2024, unless the user holds a specific state or federal research license or obtains a permit proving no viable alternative exists. It also establishes a task force to study the impacts of using chlorpyrifos in non-agricultural settings, such as on golf courses, for mosquito control, and in pest bait stations, with the group required to submit recommendations by the end of 2024. The legislation authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to create necessary rules to enforce these restrictions and defines chlorpyrifos as a specific type of broad-spectrum pesticide.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund in Massachusetts to support recreational programs, planning, and projects. It creates the Office of Outdoor Recreation to administer the fund and defines key terms such as "underserved communities" and "recreational use" to guide its operations. The primary mechanism is dedicating all state sales tax revenue from sporting goods stores directly to this fund, ensuring the money remains separate from the general state budget. Additionally, the fund is authorized to accept public and private donations to further outdoor recreation goals, with a specific focus on equity for historically underserved populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to support and promote outdoor activities across the state. The office will be led by a director appointed by the secretary, who will develop a strategic plan to boost the outdoor recreation economy, improve access for all residents, and coordinate with various state agencies and partners. Key duties include securing funding through grants, establishing performance metrics, and creating marketing materials to attract visitors and investment. The legislation also allows the office to use existing funds from the Outdoor Recreation Trust and requires the director to publish an annual report on the office's impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to establish minimum standards for private wells, which are defined as systems serving fewer than 15 connections and either fewer than 25 people or an average of 25 or more people for less than 60 days a year. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to create regulations ensuring these wells meet public health safety standards and allows certified drillers to construct or modify them. The legislation also grants local boards of health and the state department concurrent authority to enforce these rules while aiming to reduce paperwork burdens for residents and businesses. Additionally, the bill directs the state to assist homeowners in installing treatment systems to ensure their private well water meets recommended contaminant limits.

By Representatives Kassner of Hamilton and Gordon of Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner, Kenneth I. Gordon and Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and constables. Municipalities and Regional Government.