Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryHD 2560 requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids and related services. It directly affects Commonwealth employees and retirees, their children under 26 (or with disabilities), Medicaid beneficiaries, and all insured individuals under group or individual health plans. The bill mandates coverage for hearing aid exams, fittings, adjustments, and supplies (like ear molds) without requiring a prescription for those 18 or older, and prohibits stricter cost-sharing than other health benefits. This applies to group insurance, Medicaid, accident/sickness policies, and hospital service plans, ensuring consistent access to hearing aid coverage across multiple insurance types.

Maddy summaryHD 988 allows cities and towns in Massachusetts to increase their local tax rate on meals by up to 1.5 percentage points. This amendment to Chapter 64L of the General Laws directly affects municipalities that currently impose a local meal tax, enabling them to raise revenue through this specific tax. The key mechanism is modifying the existing tax rate structure to include the 1.5% increase option, which would apply to food and beverage sales within those local jurisdictions. This change provides local governments with a new tool to fund municipal services through an existing tax category.

Maddy summaryHD 232 establishes a 13-member commission to study whether a municipal building financing authority should be created in Massachusetts. The commission will examine funding sources, innovative financing methods for municipal projects (like town halls, public safety facilities, and senior centers), and define potential powers for such an authority. It includes state officials, legislative leaders, and a municipal association representative, and must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2023. This bill does not create the authority itself but sets the process for evaluating its feasibility.

Maddy summaryHD 1883 prohibits state-regulated gas and electric utilities from charging customers for specific expenses through their utility rates. It bans companies from recovering costs related to political advertising, lobbying, trade association memberships, charitable donations, executive travel, or promotional campaigns that encourage service use. Utilities must submit annual reports detailing these prohibited expenses and face penalties - including customer refunds with interest - if they improperly charge rates. This directly affects utility customers by preventing them from paying for these non-essential corporate activities.

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., and others for the issuance of an annual proclamation by the Governor to designate May 2 as veterinary youth day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Rogers of Norwood and Senator Rush, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John H. Rogers and others that the commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to take by eminent domain a certain parcel of land in the town of Norwood. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryHD 3641 would require small Massachusetts limited liability companies (LLCs) with annual revenue under $50,000 to pay a reduced annual renewal fee of $100, instead of the standard fee. This applies to LLCs renewing their registration each year after their first year of incorporation. The bill specifies that these qualifying small LLCs must pay the $100 fee annually, while paying the standard incorporation fee during their initial year. The law overrides any conflicting existing rules or regulations regarding LLC fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private railroad companies and their contractors, as well as MassDOT's rail and transit division (which operates commuter rail), to provide earned sick leave under the same standards as other Massachusetts workers. Specifically, it mandates compliance with Chapter 149, Section 148c of the General Laws, which sets minimum sick leave requirements. The law directly affects railroad workers employed by these entities, ensuring they receive paid sick time for health needs. It extends existing state sick leave protections to workers in the railroad sector who were previously excluded. The key mechanism is applying the established Chapter 149 rules to these specific employers without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve transition planning for youth with disabilities as they leave high school or turn 22. It requires the Transitional Advisory Committee to submit annual county-level reports tracking youth needing habilitative services, residential placement, or agency support. A new commission, including youth/family members and agency representatives, must develop a comprehensive plan within one year addressing communication gaps, service awareness, residential placement delays, and geographic equity in services. The plan will focus on ensuring smoother transitions to adult services for over 22,000 Massachusetts youth annually who lose special education eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 632) adds penalties for transportation network drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) who refuse service to riders with disabilities using service animals. It creates a tiered fine system: $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for a third violation. The law amends existing rules to require drivers to comply with anti-discrimination protections for service animal users and imposes these specific monetary penalties. It directly affects drivers in app-based ride services who discriminate against riders with disabilities.