Rep. Estela Reyes

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Massachusetts to pay safety net hospitals at least as much as the state's average commercial rate for inpatient and outpatient services. It specifically targets acute care hospitals that treat at least 25% of their patients through Medicaid and serve communities facing health disparities due to race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. If an insurer pays these hospitals less than the statewide average, their commercial insurance rates will be automatically rejected by the state insurance commissioner unless they provide proof of higher payments. The law applies to all commercial health plans starting January 1, 2023, aiming to ensure these hospitals receive fair reimbursement to maintain access to care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prevent licensing boards from automatically denying professional licenses solely because an applicant has a criminal record. It requires these authorities to consider each case individually and explicitly forbids the use of certain past offenses, such as sealed records, non-violent misdemeanors, and crimes older than three years, in licensing decisions. Under the new rules, a license can only be restricted if officials prove with clear and convincing evidence that the specific crime directly relates to the job's duties and that public safety risks outweigh the individual's right to work. The legislation applies to all agencies and boards that issue occupational licenses or collect licensing fees across the state.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Liz Miranda and Estela A. Reyes for legislation to further regulate professional and occupational licensing. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Digital Equity Broadband Adoption Program within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to help low-income residents afford internet service. It creates a funding source primarily financed by a 50% assessment on broadband providers, with the remainder coming from state appropriations and other sources. Eligible households, including those receiving SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or free/reduced-price school lunches, can receive vouchers worth $50 to cover one-time setup costs or monthly subscription fees. The program also requires the state to notify families with school-aged children about available assistance and participating service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to restrict how health care providers can negotiate rate increases with insurance carriers. Specifically, it prohibits agreements where a provider's rate hike exceeds the state's established health care cost growth benchmark. The measure directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers by setting a legal ceiling on the percentage by which their reimbursement rates can rise in any given year. By enforcing this limit, the legislation aims to control the growth of health care spending within the state's insurance system.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to keep more young people out of the traditional juvenile court system by allowing them to receive community-based supervision and services instead. It achieves this by ensuring that children who need assistance are not automatically disqualified from diversion programs, even if they have previously been referred to court. The legislation also clarifies how assessments are conducted and what information can be shared, while specifying that certain serious crimes, such as those involving youthful offenders or long prison sentences, still exclude a child from diversion.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve safety and standards for home care services in Massachusetts by updating existing laws to better protect both workers and consumers. It directly affects home care agencies, the individuals providing care, and the families receiving those services at home. The legislation introduces new definitions for what constitutes a home care agency and establishes requirements for creating safe working environments. Additionally, it sets forth rules for how these agencies must operate to ensure quality care and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SAVE Students Act, creates a statewide anonymous reporting system for students, staff, and the public to report unsafe or violent activities in Massachusetts schools. The Department of Public Health will establish and manage this program, which must be accessible 24/7 through a mobile app, website, and toll-free phone line, and include a staffed crisis center offering multilingual support. The law requires that the system protect the identity of reporters while allowing them to voluntarily share their information if they choose, and mandates that regulations be developed to ensure the program does not lead to unfair disciplinary actions against students from protected groups.