Rep. Colleen Garry

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a student loan repayment program designed to support human services workers in Massachusetts. It directly affects employees of community-based organizations that receive funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The legislation creates a new section in state law to define eligible providers and set up the framework for offering loan repayments to encourage individuals to enter and remain in the human services field. By providing financial assistance for student loans, the bill aims to address workforce stability and recruitment challenges within these essential community programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of an Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board in Massachusetts to review services and public policies for individuals with acquired brain injuries and their families. The board would be composed of state officials, healthcare leaders, and eight members appointed by the Governor, including people with acquired brain injuries, their family members, and community providers. Its main duties would involve analyzing data on brain injuries, monitoring the implementation of existing service recommendations, and advising on the annual state strategic plan for brain injury care.

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2528) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to the presumption for disability or death cause by contagious diseases. Public Service.

By Representative McGonagle of Everett, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2594) of Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., and others relative to a post-traumatic stress disorder presumption for certain retirement benefits. Public Service.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2531) of Colleen M. Garry and others that the State Retirement Board be authorized to retire Richard D'Auria, a University of Massachusetts police officer disabled by cardiac disease, under the provisions of the heart law, so-called. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how Massachusetts currently handles children and adolescents with severe behavioral health needs that existing hospital or community programs cannot address. The commission will be made up of 23 members, including government officials, healthcare representatives, and community advocates, with a specific focus on gathering diverse perspectives from families and different geographic areas. Its primary task is to create demographic profiles of these youths, identify barriers to care, review current treatment models, and examine ways to keep children out of the juvenile court system. The group must complete its work and submit a final report with recommendations to state lawmakers and relevant committees by January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows married spouses to work as paid caregivers for their partners under the MassHealth program, which provides home-based care and services. By amending state law, the legislation removes the current restriction that prevents spouses from receiving payment for this role, provided it does not violate federal regulations. The state's health and human services office is required to submit the necessary paperwork to federal authorities within six months to make these changes official. This policy change directly affects families in Massachusetts who rely on MassHealth for assistance with daily living activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts high schools to include instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automatic external defibrillators as a condition for graduation. The curriculum must follow current national guidelines and include hands-on practice, but it does not mandate that teachers be certified CPR instructors unless the course leads to a certification. By adding this requirement to existing state law, the measure ensures that all students receive standardized training in life-saving emergency skills before they can earn their diplomas.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2532) of Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to include certain police officers disabled by cardiac disease in the heart law, so-called. Public Service.

By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3501) of Colleen M. Garry relative to the calculation of benefits of veterans receiving public housing and other public assistance. Veterans and Federal Affairs.