Rep. Natalie Higgins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors bidding on public construction projects valued over $1 million to maintain or participate in state-approved apprentice training programs for each trade they use. It mandates that contractors register all apprentices with the Division of Apprentice Standards and follow prescribed apprentice-to-journeyman ratios for each trade. Contractors who do not meet these requirements will not be considered "responsible and eligible bidders" for such projects. The law applies to all general contractors, subcontractors, and construction managers bidding on public works projects funded by state or local government entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2085) aims to help apprentices complete their training programs by creating pathways to finish their required hours and certifications. It directly affects apprentices in Massachusetts who are working toward skilled trades careers and the employers who sponsor their training. The key mechanism involves establishing structured opportunities for apprentices to meet training requirements without disruption. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by ensuring more apprentices successfully complete their programs and enter the labor market.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a new "Orange Star" license plate option for Massachusetts veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service. The plate would be available for purchase at standard vehicle registration fees, providing a visible identifier for eligible veterans. It directly affects veterans who served in areas where Agent Orange was used, such as Vietnam, and meets a specific need for recognition within the state's vehicle registration system.

Senate, January 15, 2026 -- The committee on Election Laws to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 531) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to provide a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2911).

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for the House Committee on Public Service to report on 15 specific House documents (numbered 2781, 2802, etc.) until Wednesday, March 18, 2026. It modifies a standard rule (House Rule 27) to grant the committee additional time to complete its review of these documents. The bill does not change any policy or affect constituents directly; it is purely a procedural extension for the committee's work.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 1914) bans Massachusetts manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods for product safety assessments when valid non-animal alternatives exist, excluding medical research. It requires the commissioner of public health to establish regulations within 180 days defining acceptable alternative test methods (like computer modeling or lab studies), aligning with international standards. The law takes effect six months after passage, directly affecting companies testing products in the state.

Maddy summaryHD 2419 requires Massachusetts insurers to submit certificates of insurance to a publicly accessible database maintained by the commissioner of insurance. The database will display the insured person's name, insurer, policy expiration date, QR codes for access, employee counts, and payroll classifications. This directly affects insurers (who must submit data), employers (whose insurance details become public), and the commissioner (who manages the database). The bill aims to combat workers' compensation fraud by increasing transparency and enabling public verification of insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Medicaid exemption for permanent life insurance policies from the previous amount to $10,000 in face value for applicants and recipients. It specifically applies to whole life, universal life, and other permanent policies that accumulate cash value, while term life insurance (which has no cash value) remains excluded. The exemption will automatically adjust for inflation every five years using the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $100. The law also requires the Medicaid office to report every three years on the policy's financial impact and effects on beneficiary access to life insurance benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Massachusetts' "Secure Choice Savings Program," requiring private employers with 5+ Massachusetts-based employees (who don't already offer retirement plans) to automatically enroll workers in a payroll-deduction retirement savings account. The program, managed by a state board, creates a separate fund for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) that meet federal tax rules, with contributions deducted directly from paychecks. Employees earn retirement savings without needing to take action, and employers must facilitate payroll deductions but aren't required to contribute. The program targets private-sector workers in businesses that lack existing retirement plans, aiming to boost savings through automatic enrollment.