Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryHD 2036 creates a 6-member advisory panel to investigate sand mining's impacts on public health and the environment. The panel includes experts in GIS, ecology, community advocacy, hydrology, and Indigenous environmental justice, appointed by state leaders and the Governor. It will study sand mining effects on drinking water, Environmental Justice communities, climate resilience, and air pollution (including silica exposure) over two years. The panel's findings will inform potential regulatory changes to mining licensing laws under Chapter 21B, Section 5, aimed at protecting water, health, and the environment.

Maddy summaryHD 1760 amends Massachusetts law to clarify definitions related to sexual assault by law enforcement officers. It defines "control" to include supervising minors in training, interacting with suspects during investigations, or implying arrest power, and defines "coercion" to include threats of harm, schemes causing fear, or abuse of legal processes. The bill requires all law enforcement agencies to create and publicly post policies within 180 days prohibiting officers from engaging in sexual contact with suspects in prostitution investigations. These policies must specifically ban such conduct during active investigations. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and officers interacting with suspects.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow commercial lobster fishermen with valid Massachusetts permits to fish year-round in state waters, removing current seasonal restrictions. It directly affects licensed lobster fishermen by enabling continuous harvesting without seasonal closures. The key provision requires the Department of Marine Fisheries to permit 12-month fishing operations per permit, aligning with United Nations maritime boundaries (UNCLOS). The bill does not change permit requirements or create new fees, only extending the operational period for existing permit holders.

Maddy summaryHD 1840 restricts who can administer controlled substances (Schedules II-VI) to only licensed healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, dentists, or veterinarians, or their supervised students. This directly affects healthcare providers and patients needing such medications, ensuring only qualified individuals handle these drugs. The bill includes key exceptions: patients may self-administer or supervise others if they understand their medication, emergency medical personnel can administer in crises, and family members or partners may assist in emergencies. It also specifically allows epinephrine pens to be used in emergencies without restriction.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state program within Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The program requires creating a state coordinator, forming an advisory committee (including individuals with lived FASD experience), and developing services like screening tools, professional training, and a centralized resource hub. It directly affects healthcare providers, families of individuals with FASD, and state agencies by mandating coordinated prevention, identification, and support services. Key mechanisms include adapting existing programs, building diagnostic capacity, and creating a statewide strategic plan to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure. The program aims to improve access to FASD-informed care without endorsing specific outcomes.

Maddy summaryHD 2890 requires Massachusetts public schools with pediatric asthma rates of 20% or higher (or in the highest quartile) to develop indoor air quality management plans by September 1, 2024. These plans must include using HEPA vacuums in cleaning contracts, adopting environmentally preferable cleaning products meeting EPA or third-party standards (like Safer Choice or GreenSeal), and forming environmental health committees with school staff, nurses, parents, and community partners. Schools must report purchased products to the Department of Public Health and train staff on using these products safely. The bill directly affects public schools (including charter schools) in high-asthma communities, aiming to reduce indoor air pollutants that trigger asthma attacks.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4119) of Leigh Davis for legislation to establish an emergency medical services licensure compact. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to verify that certain patients have arranged suitable transportation before discharge. It applies to patients who had anesthesia-related surgery, have developmental disabilities, are receiving substance abuse treatment, or suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia. Hospitals must confirm transport arrangements but are not required to provide or arrange the transportation themselves. The law aims to prevent unsafe discharges for vulnerable patients by adding this verification step to hospital protocols. It directly affects hospitals in Massachusetts and the specific patient groups listed in the bill.

Maddy summaryHD 1476 prohibits retail pharmacies from reselling custom-made compounded medications (prepared for individual patients per prescription) and requires these drugs to be dispensed only to the specific patient for whom they were compounded. The bill mandates specific labeling requirements, including "not for resale" or "office use only" statements, and detailed information like ingredients, expiration dates, and handling instructions. It directly affects retail pharmacies and outsourcing facilities that prepare compounded drugs, subjecting violations to disciplinary actions by the state Pharmacy Board. The law aims to prevent unsafe distribution by restricting resale and ensuring proper labeling for patient safety.

Maddy summaryHD 2228 establishes a special commission to study and improve emergency medical services (EMS) as an essential service across Massachusetts. The commission, composed of state officials, EMS agency representatives, public health experts, and community members, will assess current EMS coverage, funding, workforce challenges, and disparities in underserved areas. It will develop recommendations for sustainable funding, regional collaboration, workforce recruitment strategies, and performance standards, while holding public hearings for community input. The commission must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to state officials within 15 months of the bill's effective date.