Rep. Kelly Pease

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate how health plans and pharmaceutical benefit managers use "maximum allowable cost" lists to determine the highest price they will pay for prescription drugs. The commission will consist of ten members representing government officials, health plans, pharmacists, and advocates for providers, pharmaceutical companies, and benefit managers. Its primary task is to examine current practices, financial impacts, industry standards, and transparency regarding these pricing lists. Within 180 days of passing, the commission must submit a report with its findings and any proposed legislation to relevant state committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require health insurers to pay ambulance service providers directly for emergency services rendered to insured individuals, even when the provider is not part of the insurer's existing network. The legislation mandates that insurers make these payments promptly once an insured person signs an assignment of benefits or is unable to do so due to their condition. By establishing a direct payment pathway, the bill aims to ensure that emergency medical transport providers receive compensation without relying on the insured to pay out-of-pocket first. This change applies to all types of insurance policies covering transportation services within the state, including those held by individuals and organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve school safety in Massachusetts by requiring cities and towns to create a special phone line for reporting threats to schools. It mandates that participating municipalities assign a school resource officer to every school building during regular hours and provides state assistance for funding physical security upgrades like hardened locks and surveillance systems. Additionally, the legislation requires school districts to implement specific training for students and staff on how to respond to active shooter situations, along with regular safety audits. Districts must also submit annual reports on their safety policies and activities to state agencies, while keeping specific security plans confidential to protect school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to review state requirements placed on public schools and districts that are not fully funded by the state. The group will consist of 11 members, including education committee chairs, legislative leaders, the commissioner of education, and representatives from various school organizations. The task force will identify existing laws and reporting rules, suggest ways to simplify or remove unfunded mandates, and calculate the total estimated cost these requirements impose on local municipalities. It must hold at least one public hearing and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within 12 months of the first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to require that the state's standardized student assessments be computer-adaptive and flexible. The new provisions mandate that these tests adjust difficulty levels to accurately measure what each individual student has mastered across English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. By identifying specific learning gaps and growth for every student, the bill aims to ensure that these evaluations fairly reflect actual achievement rather than just a single score. Ultimately, the changes seek to hold educators accountable based on a more precise understanding of individual student progress through the K-12 curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts education laws to ensure all students learn at a pace that matches their demonstrated abilities rather than a uniform standard. It mandates the creation of computer-adaptive assessments that track individual progress in core subjects like math and reading, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to each student's specific needs. The legislation also clarifies that public schools cannot discriminate against students based on age and requires the state to collect and analyze detailed data on every child's learning levels. These changes aim to make accountability measures fairer by focusing on authentic growth and ensuring that every student, regardless of age or background, receives appropriate educational support.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to establish educational equity for gifted and beyond grade-level children. It defines these students as those who achieve or are capable of achieving beyond the curriculum level appropriate for their age group, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or disability status. The legislation mandates that public schools provide a free appropriate education tailored to the unique needs of these students to help them reach their full potential. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support districts in developing coordinated systems for identifying, educating, and supporting these learners and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts educators and administrators to complete fifteen hours of professional development on teaching gifted and beyond-grade-level students every five years. To qualify for their teaching certificates, educators must also finish initial training that covers strategies for supporting these students and addresses biases related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. School districts are mandated to report annually on the number of staff trained and how their programs meet the needs of gifted learners.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an Educational Mandate Task Force to review state laws and regulations that impose requirements on public schools and districts in Massachusetts. The task force will consist of eleven members, including legislative leaders, the state superintendent of education, and representatives from various school administration associations. Its primary goal is to identify outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent mandates and reporting forms, with a specific aim to streamline these processes and potentially create a single master reporting form. The group must hold at least one public hearing and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the legislature within 12 months of its first meeting.