Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new task force called the Pesticide Control Modernization and Environmental Protection Task Force to review Massachusetts' current laws and practices regarding pesticide use. The group will consist of state agency heads, including the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, along with twenty additional members representing diverse interests such as farmers, beekeepers, environmental groups, and pesticide manufacturers. These members will examine existing regulations and provide recommendations on how to improve the state's approach to pesticide control and environmental safety. The bill does not change current pesticide laws but instead creates a committee to study the issue and propose future updates.
Rep. Patrick Kearney
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to develop standardized testing and care protocols for individuals who suspect they have been given drugs used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. The task force, which includes medical professionals and community representatives, will define these drugs, track incidents, and recommend uniform testing procedures for hospitals regardless of whether a sexual assault has occurred. Additionally, the bill mandates that all hospitals provide drug testing upon patient request and requires the department to publish a list of qualifying drugs along with public resources. The task force must submit its findings and proposed regulations within one year of the bill's effective date.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2163) of Carole A. Fiola and others that the Division of Medical Assistance be directed to provide coverage for screenings for postpartum depression. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how the state sets payment rates for home health and home care agencies in Massachusetts. It requires that these rates be reviewed at least every two years and mandates the use of specific cost data from the past four years to ensure the calculations reflect reasonable expenses for efficient providers. The legislation also instructs officials to include allowances for administrative costs and profits, while requiring a detailed report comparing the new rates against national inflation indices. Additionally, the bill ensures that changes in the state minimum wage and employer payroll taxes are factored into future rate decisions. These changes directly affect the agencies that provide care in patients' homes and the state office responsible for managing healthcare financing.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new intensive case management program in Massachusetts to support older adults who have complex medical or behavioral needs and are enrolled in the state's home care services. It defines "clinically complex" individuals as those facing serious mental illness, difficult family dynamics, or multiple health issues that make standard care insufficient. The legislation requires the state to set specific reimbursement rates that reflect the extra time and expertise needed to help these individuals successfully enter or stay in the home care program.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Center for Health Information and Analysis in Massachusetts to collect and publish annual data on hospital bad debts and claims denials. Specifically, hospitals must report their total bad debt amounts broken down by payer type, including commercial insurers, government programs, and uninsured patients, along with the rate and dollar value of denied claims. The legislation also mandates that hospitals submit aged accounts receivable reports organized by payer. Once gathered, the Center will release these findings in a public annual report to increase transparency regarding financial disputes between hospitals and payers.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education to conduct a study on pediatric and adolescent psychiatric hospital settings and therapeutic day schools. The study aims to identify how many children in these facilities have conditions known as PANDAS or PANS, which are linked to autoimmune responses triggered by strep infections. To carry out this investigation, the departments must use specific clinical criteria from the PANS/PANDAS Consortium and interview families of children who were previously misdiagnosed. The final report, due by December 31, 2023, will be shared with various state committees and councils to inform future policy and care approaches.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2164) of Carole A. Fiola and others relative to patient assessment and notification prior to prescribing certain medications. Public Health.
By Representative Muratore of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3199) of Mathew J. Muratore and others for legislation to update the decommissioning oversight of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to allow deer hunting on Sundays during the designated open deer hunting season. Currently, hunting regulations generally prohibit taking game on Sundays, but this legislation would create a specific exception for deer. The change would directly affect hunters and wildlife managers by modifying the days on which deer may be legally pursued.