Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires homeowners' insurance policies in Massachusetts to include mandatory coverage for accidental heating oil spills from residential tanks. It applies to 1-4 unit dwellings with above-ground or below-ground heating oil tanks, mandating minimum $75,000 first-party coverage for cleanup and property damage, plus $250,000 third-party liability coverage for environmental claims. Insurers must offer this coverage unless homeowners formally reject it in writing. The policy ensures homeowners cannot be denied coverage for spill response costs, including groundwater contamination affecting neighboring properties.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1910) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to provide the next of kin of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty with the flags of the Commonwealth and the United States. Public Service.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state law to expand disability coverage for POST-certified police officers who become disabled by cardiac disease. It directly affects officers working for specific public safety units, including university police departments, Massachusetts Port Authority police, state university and community college police forces, environmental law enforcement, and Department of Mental Health campus police. The key change adds these entities to the list of covered employers under the existing disability benefit provision. This adjustment ensures these officers, previously excluded, now qualify for the same disability benefits as officers in other covered agencies. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility criteria - only expands which police forces are included.

Maddy summaryHD 4025 amends a state law to extend disability benefits for POST-certified police officers disabled by cardiac disease to additional police forces. The bill adds the University of Massachusetts police, Massachusetts Port Authority police, state university and community college police, environmental law enforcement, and Department of Mental Health campus police to the list of covered entities. Previously, officers in these forces were excluded from the same benefit provision that applied to entities like the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. This change directly affects POST-certified officers in these newly included forces by making them eligible for the same cardiac disability benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents snow removal companies and their customers (like homeowners or businesses) from including unfair liability clauses in their contracts. It bans contract terms that would force a snow removal company to cover damages caused by the customer (or their employees), or force a customer to cover damages caused by the company (or its employees). Any such clause in a snow removal or ice control service contract is now void and unenforceable under Massachusetts law. The law directly affects all parties entering these types of agreements across the state.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 741) of Paul R. Feeney, James B. Eldridge, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven S. Howitt and others for legislation to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryHD 866 requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees (active and retired) and other health benefit plans to provide comprehensive coverage for cognitive rehabilitation treatments related to acquired brain injury (ABI). The bill mandates coverage for specific therapies including cognitive rehabilitation, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, and neurofeedback therapy without lifetime or unreasonable annual limits. Insurers must cover these treatments regardless of facility type (e.g., not just hospitals) and cannot apply stricter cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) than for other medical benefits. This law also requires insurers to train staff on these benefits in consultation with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryHD 4453 amends the charter of the Town of Seekonk to replace the term "Board of Selectmen" with "Select Board" in multiple sections, standardizing the name of the town's governing body throughout its official documents. The bill also adds two specific provisions: requiring the Town Administrator to attend town meetings and answer questions about agenda items, and granting the Town Administrator authority to investigate conduct within town offices. These changes are technical updates to the charter's language and administrative procedures, without altering the town's governance structure or creating new policies. The bill directly affects the Town of Seekonk by modifying its charter to reflect updated terminology and administrative responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHD 2335 requires health insurers and Medicaid plans in Massachusetts to cover biomarker testing for patients when the test is supported by medical evidence, such as FDA approvals, CMS guidelines, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. It directly affects patients needing personalized treatment (e.g., cancer care) and insurers, mandating coverage for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases. Key provisions include strict timelines for prior authorization decisions (72 hours standard, 24 hours in emergencies), limits on requiring multiple biopsies, and clear processes for patients to appeal coverage denials. The bill ensures access to evidence-based testing without unnecessary delays or disruptions in care.