Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to reduce the use of plastic bags by defining specific terms for retailers and bags. It creates a legal definition for a "reusable bag" as one made of durable materials like cloth or hemp with stitched handles, while also defining standards for "recycled paper bags" that must contain a minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled material. The legislation applies to a wide range of retail establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, food trucks, and institutional cafeterias, by setting the stage for future regulations on bag usage and materials. By amending the state's General Laws, the bill provides the framework for the Department of Environmental Protection to implement specific rules regarding plastic bag reduction.
Rep. Christine Barber
Sponsored bills
By Representative Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2292) of Christine P. Barber and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation requiring carbon monoxide alarms in all residential, governmental and commercial structures. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to inform older adults about the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a community-based healthcare option. Specifically, it mandates that information about PACE be included in existing referral services and pre-admission counseling for individuals seeking long-term care facilities. Additionally, the legislation directs state officials to study how Medicaid providers can offer this counseling and requires an annual report on how many people received these services and how many were diverted from institutional care to community settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Somerville to appoint an additional member to its licensing commission to serve as an alternate. The legislation allows this alternate to step in and vote when a regular commissioner is unavailable due to a conflict of interest, inability to act, or absence. Furthermore, the alternate member is permitted to participate in discussions during commission meetings, even if they do not vote on specific cases. By adding this provision to existing state laws, the bill aims to ensure the commission can continue operating smoothly without disruptions caused by missing members.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to limit when the state can recover medical assistance costs from the estates of seniors and disabled individuals, aiming to protect their homes from being seized to pay for past care. Under the new rules, the state can only seek repayment after the death of a surviving spouse and only if there are no surviving children under 21 or with disabilities. Additionally, the legislation expands the age threshold for recovery from 65 to 55 for certain services provided after October 1, 1993, while maintaining protections for those who were permanently institutionalized. The law also mandates that the state must waive recovery efforts if doing so would cause undue hardship.
By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3018) of Mindy Domb and others for legislation to require menstrual products in all state buildings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve care for medically fragile children by requiring the state to fill a growing percentage of authorized skilled nursing hours through MassHealth, targeting 75% by 2023, 80% by 2024, and 85% by 2025. It mandates that any budget increases used for this purpose can be directed toward raising nurse wages and requires the state to submit annual reports on the number of filled hours, appeals, and reductions in authorized care. Additionally, the bill directs the Medicaid office to review and report on wage rates paid to home health agencies providing these services, ensuring transparency for lawmakers.
By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3019) of Mindy Domb and others relative to the promulgation of State Building Code regulations to allow for gender-neutral bathrooms. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new health coverage program for children and young adults under 21 in Massachusetts who currently lack access to MassHealth solely because of their immigration status. It allows these individuals to receive comprehensive health benefits similar to those available to other residents who meet standard income and age requirements, regardless of whether they qualify for federal funding. The law mandates that the state maximize available federal money for these benefits but ensures that eligibility is not dependent on receiving that federal support.