Rep. Nick Boldyga

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the role of nurse practitioners in Massachusetts health care decision-making by allowing them to act as the "attending" provider for determining a patient's capacity to make medical choices. Specifically, it amends existing state laws to include nurse practitioners alongside physicians when deciding who can invoke a health care proxy or assess a patient's ability to consent to treatment. The changes apply to various sections of the relevant chapter, ensuring that nurse practitioners with primary responsibility for a patient's care have the same authority as doctors in these critical situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special task force to examine how financial technology and current banking rules affect Massachusetts. The nine-member group includes state legislators, representatives from technology organizations, and experts appointed by the Commissioner of Banks. The task force will review existing laws, gather reports from banks and tech companies, and propose new ways to integrate financial technology into the state. Within 12 months of passing, the group must submit a final report with recommendations and any draft legislation to the General Court.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove a specific limitation on how bank fees are assessed for tax purposes. By deleting the phrase "established for personal, family or household purposes," the legislation allows these fees to be included in the calculation of property taxes regardless of their intended use. The change directly affects homeowners and the state's tax assessment process by altering the criteria used to determine taxable value.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to regulate rent escrow accounts used when tenants withhold rent due to unsafe living conditions. It requires banks to create two-party escrow accounts upon a tenant's request without needing to verify the landlord's identity beforehand. To qualify for withholding rent, tenants must now obtain a formal violation certification from a local health or building agency and provide written notice to the landlord before taking action. Additionally, the bill specifies that rent must be deposited into a court clerk's account, an attorney-controlled escrow, or the new two-party bank account to be eligible for relief. These changes aim to standardize the process for tenants seeking to withhold rent while ensuring funds are held securely until disputes are resolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow cities and towns to reject housing applications that do not align with their approved housing production plans for up to two years. The change directly affects municipalities and developers by giving local governments a temporary period to enforce their specific housing goals once those plans are finalized. By granting this limited right to deny inconsistent applications, the legislation aims to ensure that new housing developments adhere to the strategic priorities outlined in each community's plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to run national criminal background checks on people applying for specific alcoholic beverage licenses. It directly affects individuals seeking Section 12 and Section 15 licenses, which permit the sale of beer, wine, and spirits. The law requires the commission to share these criminal records with local licensing authorities to help them review applications, but it strictly limits how the information can be used to only license decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers from including clauses in pharmacy contracts that stop pharmacists from telling patients about lower cash prices or alternative ways to buy their medication. It directly affects insurance carriers, pharmacies, and patients by ensuring pharmacists can freely share cost-saving information without fear of penalty. Additionally, the legislation prevents insurers from forcing individuals to pay more at the point of sale than they would if they purchased the medication without using their health plan. By removing these restrictions, the bill aims to increase transparency and allow patients to access potentially cheaper options for their prescriptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the sales tax rate on cider from six percent to eight and a half percent. The change directly affects consumers purchasing cider in Massachusetts by raising the cost of the product. By amending Section 1 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, the legislation updates the statutory tax percentage to align with the proposed rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts insurance laws to prevent drivers from receiving surcharges if they are caught operating a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker. By explicitly stating that this specific violation is not a surchargeable incident, the legislation aims to stop insurance companies from raising premiums for drivers solely due to this infraction. The change directly affects drivers in the state who may have previously faced higher insurance costs for this particular issue. It does not alter penalties for driving with an expired sticker, only the financial consequences related to insurance premiums.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pregnant individuals in Massachusetts to enroll in state health insurance plans within 30 days of confirming their pregnancy, rather than waiting for the end of a standard open enrollment period. To qualify, the pregnancy must be certified by a licensed healthcare provider, and if enrolled, the health coverage would begin on the first day of the month that certification is received. The law applies to all qualified health plans available through the state health insurance exchange and is designed to ensure timely access to care during pregnancy. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2025.