Rep. Patrick Kearney

Maddy summaryHD 1491 expands anti-discrimination protections in Massachusetts education by adding "special medical status" to existing laws. This term covers conditions related to disabilities under the ADA or medical treatments (preventative, curative, or palliative). The bill requires schools to consider this status in admission and continued enrollment decisions, alongside existing protections for race, gender, and national origin. It modifies multiple sections of education law to include "special medical status" and broaden coverage from initial admission to ongoing enrollment. This directly affects students with medical conditions and educational institutions across Massachusetts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires organizers of cannabis-related events (like conventions or educational forums promoting marijuana use) in Massachusetts to ensure all attendees are at least 21 years old. It directly affects event organizers holding such gatherings, excluding youth prevention programs and substance misuse education from the rule. Organizers must verify attendees' ages using specific ID types (e.g., driver's licenses, passports), and non-compliance carries a maximum $2,000 fine, though reliance on acceptable IDs creates a legal presumption of due care.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new transportation funding mechanisms for Massachusetts schools. First, it creates a Rural School Transportation Reimbursement Account to cover extraordinary home-to-school transportation costs for rural districts (excluding regional districts already receiving Section 16C funds). Second, it creates a Non-Resident Pupil Transportation Fund to reimburse schools for transporting students who live outside the municipality where their school is located, using state appropriations, grants, and interest. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education manages these funds, reports annually on distribution, and must assess funding adequacy every five years. The bill directly affects rural school districts and districts serving non-resident pupils, with reimbursements not counting toward local funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to establish clear financial assistance policies for low- and moderate-income patients. It sets income-based discounts: free care for households under 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), 75% discounts for 201-300% FPL, 50% for 301-350% FPL, and 25% for 351-400% FPL. Hospitals must provide written and verbal notices about these policies during registration and billing, post notices prominently in facilities, and include clear financial assistance information on all billing statements. The bill also prohibits hospitals from considering immigration status, total bill cost, or restrictive contracts when determining eligibility, and mandates annual reporting of application data by hospital.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney for legislation to authorize the Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership to have a seat on the Seaport Economic Council. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to repealing the sales tax on boats built or rebuilt in the Commonwealth. Revenue.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to promoting zero-emission vehicles. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to insurance coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative care for the neurodevelopmental condition stuttering. Financial Services.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to retirement and pensions during the COVID 19 pandemic. Public Service.

By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to the definition of veteran. Veterans and Federal Affairs.