Rep. Kelly Pease

Maddy summaryThis bill would set an age limit for new firefighter hires in Westfield, Massachusetts, preventing anyone who has turned 40 from being certified for original appointment to the position. The rule applies only to competitive exams held on or after the bill's effective date and does not affect firefighters already employed in the city. By establishing this cutoff, the legislation aims to restrict the pool of eligible candidates for new firefighter positions based on age rather than experience or other qualifications.

By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5449) of Kelly W. Pease (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to amending the traffic commission in the city of Westfield. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the City of Westfield to change a seasonal alcohol license held by Pleasant Street Market into an annual one for selling drinks to consume off-site. The law specifically permits the business to keep this license at its current location and sets rules for transferring it to a new owner or returning it to the city if the business closes. Under the new terms, the license must remain at the same address, and any future applicant must prove they have paid all taxes and fees before receiving it. Once the annual license is active, the business must surrender its previous seasonal license for wine and malt beverages.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes designating the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball as Massachusetts' official sedimentary structure. Introduced by Rep. Susannah Whipps and colleagues, it is a symbolic measure with no regulatory, administrative, or policy impact. The legislation serves purely as a ceremonial recognition without altering laws or affecting any stakeholders. It falls under procedural designation, not substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies and non-admitted insurers from including policy terms that block insureds from hiring public adjusters (as defined by law) to handle claims. It makes any such restrictive language unenforceable and requires its removal from policies, while leaving other policy terms intact. The bill amends two sections of Massachusetts insurance law: it adds a new section (2C) to Chapter 175 and updates Chapter 176D to explicitly ban policy provisions that prevent insureds from using public adjusters. This directly affects policyholders who wish to work with public adjusters for property or casualty insurance claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special license plate for individuals who have received the Medal of Fidelity, a state award given to next of kin of fallen service members. The legislation requires the state registrar to provide these distinctive plates free of charge to eligible recipients upon presentation of proof of their award status. Additionally, the bill mandates that current and past recipients be notified of their eligibility to receive the plates through official letters and online applications. The new plates will feature an image of the medal and ribbon along with the words "MEDAL OF FIDELITY" to honor the recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Medal of Fidelity" license plate for next of kin of fallen service members who receive the Medal of Fidelity award. It requires the state registrar to provide this distinctive plate free of charge to eligible recipients upon proof of the award, featuring the medal image and "MEDAL OF FIDELITY" text. The bill also mandates that the registrar notify all past Medal of Fidelity recipients about this plate option within six months of the plate's design completion. This is a procedural change focused on recognizing service members' families through a specific license plate design.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 459) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities. Education.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 458) of John C. Velis for legislation to expand high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps the out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $100 per 30-day supply for all patients, regardless of insulin type or prescription amount. It requires pharmaceutical companies with Medicaid rebate agreements to offer free 30-day insulin supplies to individuals urgently needing insulin (with less than 7 days' supply) who meet income criteria (≤400% of federal poverty level) and lack private drug coverage. Eligible individuals must provide proof of financial need and have a prescription. The cap applies to all insurers, manufacturers, and government programs covered under the bill, ensuring consistent cost limits without requiring additional coverage.