Rep. Brian Ashe

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to biomarker testing for cancer patients in Massachusetts to help them receive the most appropriate therapy. It requires health insurers to cover the cost of these specific tests without imposing additional restrictions or requiring prior authorization beyond what is already standard for other medical services. The legislation directly affects cancer patients, their families, and health insurance providers by ensuring that necessary diagnostic tools are financially accessible. By removing barriers to testing, the bill seeks to facilitate better treatment decisions based on individual patient biology.

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2500) of Ryan C. Fattman and Brian M. Ashe (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town moderator of the town of Monson to act as an election officer in certain elections. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops in Massachusetts. It achieves this by amending state laws to ban licensed pet shops from selling or offering these specific animals for adoption. The legislation directly affects businesses that operate as new pet shops and would prevent them from acting as sources for these pets. By restricting sales in this manner, the bill aims to reduce the number of animals sold in commercial settings.

Senate, 13, 2024 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 549) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Adam Scanlon, Jack Patrick Lewis, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Steven S. Howitt, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 826) of Natalie M. Higgins, Kimberly N. Ferguson and others for legislation to further regulate the retail sale of certain domestic animals in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2820).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts tax law to close loopholes that allow corporations to avoid taxes by shifting profits offshore. It requires companies that form combined groups for tax purposes to calculate their state tax liability based on the income and business activities of all group members, regardless of where those members are located. The change ensures that every entity within a corporate group contributes its fair share of taxes to the state, preventing them from using complex structures to reduce their tax burden. This policy directly affects large corporations operating in Massachusetts that currently utilize combined group reporting methods to minimize state tax payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state fund to support the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities with money specifically for municipal services, public safety, and local development. It establishes a new fee on water usage from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, directing at least 90% of the collected revenue into this dedicated trust. The law mandates that the majority of the fund's spending go directly to these communities for operations and capital projects, while limiting the portion available to non-profits and other specific initiatives. Additionally, the bill increases the minimum annual payment in lieu of taxes for towns holding Quabbin land and expands the number of board members representing Connecticut River Basin interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Local Roads Improvement Program within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to provide grants to municipalities for public road projects. The funds are specifically designated for activities such as repairing and resurfacing roadways, maintaining traffic signs and guardrails, and updating road markings. Distribution of these grants will be calculated based on each municipality's proportion of total road mileage, ensuring a standardized allocation method. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit an annual report to state committees detailing which towns received funding, the specific amounts awarded, and descriptions of the completed projects.

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3104) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Rodney M. Elliott and Brian M. Ashe relative to designating the Boston cream pie cupcake as the official cupcake of the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Ashe of Longmeadow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2982) of Brian M. Ashe, Marcus S. Vaughn and Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to include insurance under Chapter 30B, the Uniform Procurement Act. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Senate, June 10, 2024 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 447) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 897) of Aaron L. Saunders and others relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2812).