Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new requirement for the state's data advisory commission to study and recommend how the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should publish detailed special education data. The proposed data would include student-specific information on services received, such as assistive technology and behavioral plans, broken down by factors like race, gender, income status, and disability category while ensuring no personally identifiable information is revealed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that private special education schools receiving state funding submit annual financial reports and audits to the department and state auditor, with specific details on compensation and program costs. A separate provision directs the secretary of education to study best practices for overseeing these private schools to ensure appropriate educational programming and services are provided.
Rep. Dan Sena
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum required auto insurance coverage limits for drivers in Massachusetts. Specifically, it would raise the mandatory bodily injury liability limits from $20,000 to $50,000 per person and from $40,000 to $100,000 per accident, while also increasing the minimum property damage liability limit from $5,000 to $30,000. These changes would directly affect all vehicle owners and drivers in the state who are required by law to carry compulsory insurance. The legislation aims to ensure that drivers have higher financial protection for injuries and property damage caused in accidents.
March 14, 2024 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1380) of Adam Gomez, Vanna Howard, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address alzheimer’s and all dementia; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2178) of Denise C. Garlick and others for legislation to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2683).
Senate, May 20, 2024 -- The committee on Financial Services, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 606) of Brendan P. Crighton, Mathew J. Muratore and Danillo A. Sena for legislation relative to the compulsory automobile insurance limits, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2790).
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Medical Debt Protection Act to shield patients and their families from aggressive debt collection practices. It prohibits medical providers and collectors from using severe measures like arrests, property liens, or wage garnishments until at least 180 days after the first bill is sent. The law also stops creditors from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit agencies or selling debts while an insurance appeal is pending, and it caps interest rates on medical debt at a low percentage.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hunters in Massachusetts to use nonlead ammunition, defined as bullets containing less than one percent of lead, when taking birds and mammals. It mandates that the state director certify compliant ammunition and publish an annual list of approved products while notifying hunters of these new requirements. The legislation establishes penalties for violations, including fines between $100 and $250 or up to 30 days in jail, though it exempts government officials performing legal duties. Additionally, the bill creates a new annual report detailing enforcement actions, penalties, and efforts to ensure compliance with the nonlead ammunition rule.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum required auto insurance limits for drivers in Massachusetts. It would raise the minimum bodily injury coverage from $20,000 per person to $50,000 and from $40,000 per accident to $100,000. Additionally, the minimum property damage coverage would increase from $5,000 to $30,000. These changes would directly affect all drivers in the state who currently purchase the standard minimum liability insurance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to establish minimum standards for private wells, which are defined as systems serving fewer than 15 connections and either fewer than 25 people or an average of 25 or more people for less than 60 days a year. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to create regulations ensuring these wells meet public health safety standards and allows certified drillers to construct or modify them. The legislation also grants local boards of health and the state department concurrent authority to enforce these rules while aiming to reduce paperwork burdens for residents and businesses. Additionally, the bill directs the state to assist homeowners in installing treatment systems to ensure their private well water meets recommended contaminant limits.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the state's minimum required auto insurance coverage for bodily injury from $5,000 to $25,000, directly affecting all Massachusetts drivers who must carry liability insurance. The change takes effect on January 1, 2025, and also mandates that the insurance commissioner conduct a study every ten years to review whether these limits remain adequate while considering their impact on insurance premiums. The study will compare Massachusetts' limits with other states and include input from insurance industry representatives before the commissioner submits findings and potential future legislation to the legislature by July 2025.
April 22, 2024 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 520) of Jason M. Lewis, John Barrett, III, Jacob R. Oliveira, Thomas M. Stanley 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 establish a protected pollinator habitat, report the accompanying resolve (Senate, No. 2728).