Rep. Colleen Garry

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 400) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Bruce E. Tarr, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to ensure adequate and equitable funding for public education. Education.

Maddy summaryHD 3170 amends Massachusetts law to ban the sale of kratom products containing three specific compounds: 7-hydroxymitragynine, hydroxymitragynine, and mitragynine. This change directly affects businesses selling kratom products and consumers who use them within the Commonwealth. The bill adds these compounds to the list of prohibited substances under Chapter 94C of the General Laws, making their sale illegal. As a result, retailers would no longer be permitted to sell kratom products containing these compounds.

Maddy summaryHD 867 establishes an advisory board to review and advise on services and policies for people with acquired brain injuries (including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors) and their families. The board, composed of 20 members including state agency representatives, individuals with brain injuries, family caregivers, clinicians, and service providers, will meet quarterly to assess needs, monitor access to rehabilitation services, and track implementation of prior recommendations. It must file biennial reports with state leaders detailing progress on improving community-based support services and policy changes. The bill directly affects individuals with acquired brain injuries, their families, and the state agencies responsible for their care.

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1618) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Erika Uyterhoeven, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote community immunity. Public Health.

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 4276 amends vehicle registration rules to create a special "VETERAN" plate designation. It adds a one-time $20 fee for these plates, in addition to standard registration costs, when first issued. This fee is not charged during subsequent renewals of the "VETERAN" plates. The bill directly affects veterans who choose this plate option for their private passenger vehicles or motorcycles.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Colleen M. Garry for legislation to establish parity in funding for regional vocational school districts and traditional public school districts. Education.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 165) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, David Paul Linsky, Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to protect individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 440) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to adjust the state funding allocated to public schools in Massachusetts (through the "Chapter 70" program) to account for rising inflation costs. Education.

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 385) of Edward J. Kennedy and Colleen M. Garry that provisions be made for an investigation and study by a special commission (including members of the General Court) to examine Chapter 70 funding. Education.