Rep. Jon Zlotnik

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal presumption that certain contagious diseases contracted by full-time police, fire, or emergency medical service workers were incurred during their duties, if they passed required physical exams upon entry and had no pre-existing condition. It applies to diseases like COVID-19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV - those linked to exposure to blood or bodily fluids - excluding the common cold. Workers must apply within five years of leaving active service and demonstrate they regularly responded to emergency calls during their tenure. Benefits, if approved, would cover disability or death claims under existing workers' compensation laws (Chapters 32, 41, 152).

Maddy summaryHD 3922 requires trade contractors and subcontractors working on certain Massachusetts construction contracts (including building repair, maintenance, or new construction) to use approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of a contract award, these contractors must maintain or join a state- or U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program and employ apprentices throughout the project. The bill also mandates that contractors submit written compliance proof, including program details, to the Attorney General within 45 days. To qualify, apprenticeship programs must have graduated apprentices to journey worker status for at least three of the past five years (effective January 1, 2023). This directly affects contractors on eligible state and public construction projects.

Maddy summaryHD 2100 establishes a Food Literacy Trust Fund to support school-based food literacy programs. The fund, financed by state appropriations, grants, and interest, allows the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide resources and curricula on topics like nutrition, food systems, environmental connections, food justice, and culinary skills. Schools must incorporate these standards into existing subjects (e.g., science, math) and may use the fund for professional development. The bill requires annual reporting on fund use and program implementation to state education committees.

Maddy summaryHD 866 requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees (active and retired) and other health benefit plans to provide comprehensive coverage for cognitive rehabilitation treatments related to acquired brain injury (ABI). The bill mandates coverage for specific therapies including cognitive rehabilitation, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, and neurofeedback therapy without lifetime or unreasonable annual limits. Insurers must cover these treatments regardless of facility type (e.g., not just hospitals) and cannot apply stricter cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) than for other medical benefits. This law also requires insurers to train staff on these benefits in consultation with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Chapter 70 of the General Laws to adjust how public school funding is calculated for inflation. It sets a new "Foundation inflation index" based on a specific economic measure, capping annual increases in per-student funding rates at 4.5% (except for employee benefits and fixed charges, which use the prior year's rate). The changes directly affect public school districts receiving state foundation allotments by ensuring funding per student doesn't decrease below a minimum adjusted rate each year. The key mechanism prevents significant year-to-year cuts in school funding during inflationary periods.

By Representatives Zlotnik of Gardner and Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 478) of Jonathan D. Zlotnik, Kimberly N. Ferguson and others relative to the sale of malt beverages produced by a pub brewery. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryH 4373 creates a tax credit for Massachusetts food businesses (like restaurants, farms, and grocery stores) that donate food to qualified nonprofits serving the needy. Donors can claim a credit equal to the fair market value of donated food (up to $25,000 annually), provided the nonprofit distributes it free or at cost with proper certification. The bill also provides legal liability protection for donors and distributors of donated food (including expired items), shielding them from civil damages unless the food was misbranded, handled negligently, or violated health regulations. It excludes alcohol, marijuana, and dietary supplements from coverage. This law directly affects food businesses, nonprofits, and food distribution programs across Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to create a reserve fund to manage future increases in regional school assessments. Municipalities can establish the fund by legislative vote, with the reserve limited to 10% of the annual regional assessment. When a regional assessment increase exceeds 3.5%, the fund can be used (after another legislative vote) to reduce the increase to no more than 2.5%. The fund's money can be invested per existing rules, with interest added back to the fund. It directly affects municipalities that adopt the provision, providing a mechanism to buffer sudden school funding jumps.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the required reserve fund for special education in Massachusetts from 2% to 5% of annual net school spending. It directly affects public school districts by mandating a higher percentage of their operating funds be set aside specifically for special education services. The key provision is the amendment to Section 13E of Chapter 40, changing the funding percentage without altering other program requirements. This adjustment provides schools with greater financial resources to support students with special needs. The change applies to all public school districts receiving state education funding.

By Representative Gregoire of Marlborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 769) of Danielle W. Gregoire and others for legislation to improve care for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Elder Affairs.