Rep. Dan Carey

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally include specific dental procedures for horses under the scope of licensed equine dental practitioners. The new provision allows these professionals to float teeth, remove wolf teeth, and smooth enamel points, while explicitly excluding treatments for decay, tumors, or soft tissue issues. The legislation also clarifies that these dental services cannot be performed on dogs or cats and restricts the use of controlled substances to cases ordered by a licensed veterinarian. Ultimately, the act expands the legal definition of equine dentistry to ensure these common procedures are recognized within the state's professional licensing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an annual three-day free snowmobile weekend in Massachusetts for non-residents. During this designated period, non-residents with valid registration from any state or Canadian province can operate snowmobiles on public lands and private lands under agreement without needing a Massachusetts Trail Pass. The event is to be organized annually by the Massachusetts Office of Law Enforcement in coordination with the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act to strengthen protections for personal data held by businesses and organizations. It creates a new legal framework that defines key terms such as "consent," which requires clear and unambiguous agreement from individuals rather than accepting vague terms of service, and identifies specific entities like "data brokers" that collect and sell large amounts of personal information. The legislation mandates that companies obtain explicit permission before processing sensitive data like biometric scans or genetic information and prohibits deceptive user interface designs that manipulate consumer choices. By setting these standards, the act directly impacts businesses operating in Massachusetts and aims to give residents greater control over how their private information is collected and used.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework to require large streaming entertainment companies to pay fees to the state for using public roads and infrastructure to deliver their services. It defines "streaming entertainment operators" as companies earning more than $250,000 annually in Massachusetts and establishes a new advisory board to calculate fair payment rates that help fund public access television channels. The legislation gives the state authority to collect these assessments and enforce penalties for non-compliance while explicitly stating that the state cannot regulate the prices streaming companies charge their customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to update how the state of Massachusetts provides financial support to local community media organizations. It seeks to modernize the existing funding framework to ensure these groups can continue producing programming that serves their specific neighborhoods. The legislation would allow for a more flexible allocation of public funds to help these media outlets operate effectively.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a new state system called the Massachusetts Health Care Trust to provide universal health coverage for all residents. It establishes a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director to manage the program, which is designed to offer affordable and equitable access to medical services for everyone in the Commonwealth. The legislation amends existing state laws to add this new chapter, effectively replacing or supplementing the current insurance model with a single-payer approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to study ways to improve pollinator health by increasing native habitat in places like farms, forests, parks, and urban areas. The commission will include representatives from government agencies, universities, farmers, beekeepers, and environmental groups, with the secretary of energy and environmental affairs serving as chair. Over the next year, the group will review current laws, compare successful programs from other states, assess funding needs, and gather data on pollinator populations. By May 1, 2025, the commission must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the state legislature for further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to study ways to improve pollinator health by expanding native habitats across Massachusetts. The commission will examine opportunities in various settings, including farms, forests, parks, and urban areas, to support a wide range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Composed of 11 members representing government agencies, universities, and advocacy groups, the commission must submit its findings and any proposed laws to state committees by March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow pub breweries to sell their own malt beverages to a wider range of customers beyond just their on-site taproom. Specifically, it permits these breweries to sell their products at wholesale to licensed wholesalers and retailers, as well as to institutions like churches and schools, and to sell bottled drinks directly to consumers for off-premises consumption. The legislation also authorizes pub breweries to export their products to other states and foreign countries where such sales are legal. Additionally, the bill includes a provision limiting the total annual sales to retail licensees to 50,000 gallons to prevent pub breweries from operating primarily as large-scale distributors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires specific Massachusetts healthcare plans to cover medically necessary treatments for genetic craniofacial conditions, such as ectodermal dysplasia and dentinogenesis imperfecta. It applies to insurance provided by the state for its employees, the state health division, private accident and sickness policies, and employee health funds within the commonwealth. The law mandates that these plans cover functional repairs or restorations needed to improve function or appearance, while explicitly excluding cosmetic surgery and dental work unrelated to congenital anomalies. Additionally, the bill ensures that coverage for these conditions cannot have higher deductibles, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits than other medical benefits.