Rep. Steve Ultrino

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that donate food to nonprofits serving the needy, and provides liability protection for donors and recipients. Businesses can claim a non-refundable tax credit equal to the fair market value of donated food (capped at $25,000 annually), provided the food is distributed without charge or at minimal cost to cover handling. It also shields donors and nonprofit food distributors from civil liability for injuries related to donated food (including expired "open-dated" food), unless the food was adulterated or donated under gross negligence. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a certification from the nonprofit confirming the food was distributed per the bill’s requirements.

Maddy summaryHD 2703 establishes a special commission to study and recommend policies promoting equity in Massachusetts agriculture for historically excluded groups, including African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Caribbean Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives. The commission, with members appointed from diverse agricultural organizations, caucuses, and commissions, will investigate data collection, grant access, program equity, and regulatory processes, holding at least three public hearings (including one rural and one urban). It must file a report with legislative leaders by December 31, 2027, including recommendations for policy changes, with the findings publicly available online. This bill creates a study body - not direct policy changes - to address systemic barriers in agricultural resources and opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2700) requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover fertility diagnostic care and fertility treatment for residents diagnosed with infertility, without restrictions based on age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. It mandates coverage for specific services including at least four oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers, and unlimited intrauterine insemination cycles. The law prohibits insurers from applying different deductibles, copays, or coverage limits for fertility treatments compared to other medical services and bans exclusions based on third-party services like surrogacy. It directly affects insured residents with infertility diagnoses, state employees (via group insurance), and Medicaid recipients (through expanded coverage in Chapter 118E).

By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4487) updates terminology across Massachusetts state law to replace outdated terms like "handicapped," "disabled," and "mentally retarded" with more respectful and current language such as "persons with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disability." It amends 33 sections of the General Laws, including provisions related to employment weeks, veteran benefits, healthcare, and community services, to consistently use inclusive terminology. The bill directly affects how state laws reference these communities but does not create new programs or change existing policies. It was reported favorably by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee.

Maddy summaryHD 1303 sets reinstatement fees for drivers whose licenses were suspended or revoked for traffic violations. It establishes a $500 fee for most reinstatements (e.g., under Sections 22, 23, 24, 28, 34J), with higher fees of $700 or $1,200 for specific offenses under Section 24. Crucially, the bill states that higher fees apply only if the driver was convicted, placed on probation, or admitted guilt for the underlying offense. This directly affects drivers seeking to regain driving privileges after license suspension or revocation. The bill does not change the standard $100 fee for general suspensions or the $100 fee for suspensions under Section 22.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1982, the RAISE Act) requires Massachusetts school districts to establish annual targets and 3-year plans to reduce racial and other disparities in student suspensions, expulsions, and academic achievement gaps. Districts must develop evidence-based strategies - such as restorative justice programs, extended learning time, staff training, and culturally responsive curricula - with input from parents and community stakeholders. They must publicly report annually on progress using defined metrics like suspension rates, days of lost instruction, and student assessment data. The law directly affects all public school districts and students in marginalized subgroups, aiming to hold districts accountable for systemic inequities in discipline and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHD 1270 amends Massachusetts school discipline laws to address racial disparities in student exclusions. It narrows the definition of conduct justifying suspension to specific, documentable threats of serious bodily injury (excluding marijuana, guns, or knives), requiring principals to provide written notice and a hearing before suspending a student. The bill mandates clear explanations for exclusions, ensures language access for families, and requires schools to document efforts to include parents in hearings. Additionally, it limits long-term suspensions to end of the school year and removes redundant references to "expulsion" in related sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2074) prohibits Massachusetts public school districts and charter schools from suspending students solely for violating dress or grooming rules. It requires all such rules to be non-discriminatory (based on gender identity, race, religion, disability, etc.), clear and objective, and bans physical enforcement or requiring students to undress in front of others. The law also explicitly states that schools may still require specific clothing colors and address bullying or harassment. The changes take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates "blue envelopes" to improve police interactions with people who have autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes, available from the Registry of Motor Vehicles upon request, contain written communication tips for officers and instructions for placing them on a car's sun visor. They also hold a person's driver's license, registration, and insurance cards. The program will begin on July 1, 2026, and directly affects autistic individuals and their families during traffic stops or vehicle encounters with police.