Rep. Colleen Garry

Maddy summaryThis bill requires covered employers in Massachusetts to submit detailed wage data reports alongside their existing annual reports to the state secretary. The state secretary will then compile this information and publish aggregate wage statistics on the executive office of labor and workforce development website, organized by industry and released annually by June 1. While the bill mandates the collection and public release of these aggregate statistics, it explicitly excludes the individual wage data reports from being considered public records, thereby protecting specific employer information from public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in Massachusetts to dispense up to a 30-day supply of insulin without a doctor's immediate authorization during emergency situations where a patient cannot quickly reach their provider. The law defines an emergency as a time when obtaining standard authorization is not readily available and requires pharmacists to use their professional judgment to determine if the medication is essential to prevent harm. To prevent abuse, the bill restricts pharmacists from providing this emergency supply to the same patient more than once within any six-month period. Additionally, the legislation updates several state laws to explicitly include insulin as an item that can be dispensed under these emergency conditions.

By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Driscoll of Milton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2279) of Andres X. Vargas, William J. Driscoll, Jr., and Colleen M. Garry that the Department of Public Health establish a registry of volunteer personnel to provide health, medical and other services. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill aims to remove financial and administrative obstacles for people accessing HIV prevention medication. It requires health insurance plans covering these drugs to eliminate all cost-sharing fees, such as co-pays and deductibles, and to stop requiring prior authorization or step therapy that could delay treatment. The law also mandates that necessary support services, like regular check-ups and counseling, be included in the coverage without extra charges. By streamlining access, the legislation seeks to ensure that individuals can obtain and maintain HIV prevention drugs without facing financial barriers or administrative hurdles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a livable wage specifically for human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from state agencies such as the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Housing and Community Development. The legislation defines these workers as staff who provide treatment, support, or services to clients and their families, while defining the organizations as those with funded human services programs. By amending Chapter 6A of the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework to ensure these essential workers are paid a wage deemed sufficient to meet basic living needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters in Massachusetts to present specific forms of identification at polling places in order to cast a ballot. Eligible IDs include a voter registration card, social security card, valid driver's license, government-issued ID, or a photo employee ID. If a voter cannot provide one of these documents, they will be denied the opportunity to vote. The law directly impacts all registered voters by adding a mandatory identification step to the voting process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require vehicle manufacturers to include a specific notice in the owner's manuals for all new cars starting with the 2025 model year. The notice must explain what telematics systems are, describe the mechanical data they collect, confirm that owners can access this data via mobile devices, and state the owner's right to let independent repair shops access the data for maintenance. By updating the existing Right to Repair law, the legislation ensures that future car buyers are clearly informed about data collection and their options for vehicle servicing before they purchase a new vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools in Massachusetts to obtain written parental consent before students participate in any class covering human sexuality or related issues. Under the new rules, schools must notify parents at least 21 days in advance, explicitly listing specific topics like abortion and birth control, and provide contact information for reproductive health services. The legislation also mandates that school websites clearly state these topics when they are part of health or wellness curricula. Additionally, the bill establishes a penalty requiring school districts to pay $2,500 to any parent whose child is affected by a violation of these consent requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools in Massachusetts to obtain written parental consent before presenting human sexuality education to students. It mandates that schools notify parents at least 21 days in advance, explicitly listing topics such as abortion and birth control if they are part of the curriculum. The legislation also directs school districts to include information about reproductive health services on their websites and establishes a $2,500 penalty for each student affected by a violation of these consent requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Harmony Commission to examine how the state handles care and protection cases for children. The commission will be composed of judges, lawyers, government officials, and community representatives, including individuals with personal experience in the foster care system. Its main task is to review current laws and practices to find ways that better protect the rights and well-being of children, while also considering the impact on families and parents. The group will specifically look at how the system affects children from diverse backgrounds and will study issues like sibling visitation rights.