Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to grant college credit for Advanced Placement exam scores of three, four, or five to help students meet degree requirements. Institutions must clearly state on their websites how these credits apply to general education, major, or elective courses and ensure they can be transferred to other schools. While schools can still require higher scores, they must provide specific evidence that a score above three is necessary for success in related courses, and the Department of Higher Education will offer guidance on what counts as valid evidence. Additionally, the state's higher education board must annually review these policies and report its findings to the legislature by July 1 each year.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to formally include cyberattacks and cybersecurity threats against critical infrastructure in the legal definition of a state of emergency. It directly affects the Governor and state officials by expanding their authority to declare emergencies when vital systems, such as election networks, utilities, or transportation grids, face digital disruption or data theft. The legislation establishes clear definitions for "critical infrastructure," "cybersecurity attack," and "cyber system" to ensure these terms are consistently understood when determining the appropriate emergency response. By updating Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950, the bill provides a specific legal framework for addressing digital threats that could compromise public safety and economic stability.
Senate, October 30, 2023 -- The committee on Health Care Financing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 732) of John J. Cronin for legislation to promote comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 749) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to define modest meals and refreshments in prescriber education settings; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 778) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Mark C. Montigny and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to coverage for chronic illness; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 797) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 619) of Nicholas A. Boldyga relative to establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1176) of Edward F. Coppinger and others relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1201) of Kate Hogan relative to the pricing of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1205) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the Health Policy Commission and health insurers create listings of certain high cost prescription drugs and that the Attorney General require drug manufacturers to provide information to justify increases in costs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1206) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to contracts between the MassHealth program and pharmaceutical benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1215) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to pharmacy benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1246) of William M. Straus relative to drug prices paid by carriers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1247) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Michael J. Soter and David F. DeCoste relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2492).
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to ensure fair housing for homeless families. Housing.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2954) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commission to examine the contracts between MassHealth, the state's health insurance program for low-income residents, and pharmaceutical benefit managers. The commission will evaluate whether MassHealth should switch from its current drug purchasing model to a pass-through model, which would allow pharmacies to negotiate prices directly with drug manufacturers. The ten-member panel includes state officials, legislative leaders, and representatives appointed by the governor to advocate for both pharmaceutical benefit managers and pharmacies. Within one year of the bill's passage, the commission must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to relevant state committees.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' MassHealth program and large health insurers to annually publish lists of prescription drugs that have seen significant price increases, specifically those with costs rising by 50% over five years or 15% in the last year. The Attorney General will then select up to 15 of the most expensive drugs from these lists and mandate that manufacturers provide detailed documentation justifying the price hikes. Additionally, the bill establishes a regulatory framework with penalties for non-compliance and requires the Attorney General to report findings to the legislature each December.