Rep. Tackey Chan

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1914) bans Massachusetts manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods for product safety assessments when valid non-animal alternatives exist, excluding medical research. It requires the commissioner of public health to establish regulations within 180 days defining acceptable alternative test methods (like computer modeling or lab studies), aligning with international standards. The law takes effect six months after passage, directly affecting companies testing products in the state.

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jay D. Livingstone and others relative to ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. Environment and Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryH 4922 is a procedural bill that extends the deadline for the House committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to report on two specific House documents (330 and 425). It grants the committee until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to complete this task, overriding the standard deadline set by House Rule 27. This bill does not change policy but provides additional time for the committee's review process. The bill was adopted on January 12, 2026, after committee and rules approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases state funeral assistance payments for qualifying residents. It raises the maximum aid from $1,100 to $3,500 for basic funeral costs and from $3,500 to $5,000 for more comprehensive services. These changes directly affect families who meet eligibility requirements for state funeral assistance under Chapter 117A. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, providing higher financial support for burial or cremation expenses.

Maddy summaryHD 1353 increases monthly benefits for low-income households receiving state assistance programs. It mandates a 20% annual benefit increase starting July 1, 2025, until payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level for each household size. Once this target is met, benefits will automatically adjust each July to maintain at least 50% of the federal poverty level. The bill also includes adjustments for clothing allowances and rental costs for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families relying on these state assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHD 2988 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - encompassing both postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing. It applies directly to insured individuals and their covered spouses or dependents, ensuring equal access to this care as part of existing postpartum coverage requirements. The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage without unreasonable delays or restrictions, aligning with existing health care laws. These changes apply to multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws governing health insurance plans and Medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1468) allows school nurses employed in Department of Education-approved schools to count prior nursing work experience toward their retirement credit if they are already in a teacher's, municipal, or state retirement system. To qualify, nurses must pay 10% of their annual salary for each year of service plus interest (paid in a lump sum or installments), after completing 10 years in the retirement system, with a maximum of three years of creditable service allowed. Nurses must apply within 90 days of being notified of eligibility by the retirement board.

Maddy summaryHD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like libraries, community centers, or government offices) to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms by January 1, 2028. The stations must support 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, and be positioned 20-25 inches off the floor, with clear signage and ADA-compliant safety features like rails and privacy. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who need assistance with diapering or changing in public spaces. Limited exemptions apply for historic properties, non-public buildings, or projects under $10,000 in cost.

Maddy summaryHD 982 requires all Massachusetts state-owned public buildings (like government offices or libraries) that are newly built, reconstructed, or remodeled after January 1, 2025, to install at least one universal changing station in public restrooms. These stations must support up to 350 pounds, measure at least 70 inches long by 30 inches wide, have adjustable height (17-38 inches), include safety rails, and be located in private or enclosed areas. The bill mandates clear signage for location and operation, and compliance with accessibility standards, while allowing exemptions for historic properties or if installation costs exceed $10,000. It directly affects state building owners and contractors planning new construction or renovations after 2025.