Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts tax deed procedures to protect homeowners facing foreclosure by requiring land courts to verify unpaid taxes and ensuring proper notice is given before a property is seized. It mandates that collectors post notices in public locations and newspapers, and it requires the court to treat the tax title holder like a mortgage lender with priority over other claims to the sale proceeds. Additionally, the legislation adds a bold warning to tax notices stating that failure to act results in losing property ownership, and it allows homeowners to redeem their property by collecting rent or other income from the land. These changes directly affect homeowners in Massachusetts who owe property taxes and the state officials responsible for collecting those debts.
Rep. Natalie Higgins
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to establish a formal bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. It achieves this by repealing an existing law and adding new provisions to Chapter 214 that guarantee these individuals the right to be free from discrimination based on their housing status. The legislation explicitly defines "persons experiencing homelessness" to include those living in shelters, cars, parks, or other non-traditional settings, and grants them the right to use public spaces like parks and sidewalks without discrimination. By clarifying these definitions and protections, the bill seeks to ensure that people without fixed nighttime residences can access public areas on equal footing with others.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum wage rates paid to care workers within Massachusetts social service programs. It achieves this by amending existing state laws to mandate higher payment standards for these specific employees. The change directly affects agencies and organizations that currently hire care workers under these programs, ensuring they receive enhanced compensation.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends multiple Massachusetts state laws to explicitly include licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the list of qualified mental health providers. The changes update regulations across five different chapters to ensure these professionals can legally provide services in mental health settings. By adding their titles to the existing lists, the legislation expands the scope of who can deliver mental health care under current statutes. This update aims to clarify the roles of occupational therapy professionals within the state's mental health framework without altering other aspects of the laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve healthcare access and affordability in Massachusetts by modifying how prescription drug rebates are handled and requiring a study on future treatments. It repeals existing sections of the law and adds new rules requiring insurance carriers to annually certify that they pass at least 80 percent of estimated pharmaceutical rebates to patients through reduced cost-sharing, with penalties for non-compliance. The legislation also mandates that carriers keep specific rebate data confidential as trade secrets while reporting compliance to the state. Additionally, the bill directs state officials to analyze and report on potential barriers to accessing cell and gene therapies for MassHealth beneficiaries and other vulnerable groups over the next decade.
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2194) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to prescriptions for testosterone therapy medications. Public Health.
By Representative Mahoney of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2883) of John J. Mahoney and Daniel M. Donahue relative to the collection, assignment or transfer of delinquent property taxes by cities and towns. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a new state system called the Massachusetts Health Care Trust to provide universal health coverage for all residents. It establishes a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director to manage the program, which is designed to offer affordable and equitable access to medical services for everyone in the Commonwealth. The legislation amends existing state laws to add this new chapter, effectively replacing or supplementing the current insurance model with a single-payer approach.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run program to lower out-of-pocket costs for Massachusetts residents with specific chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. It mandates that the state select one generic and one brand-name medication for each condition based on clinical evidence, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Under the new rules, these selected drugs would be covered with reduced co-pays for eligible patients. The legislation also explicitly designates insulin as the covered medication for diabetes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to improve transparency and affordability for prescription drugs by updating how different types of medications are defined. It specifically clarifies the legal definitions of biosimilars, brand name drugs, and generic drugs to ensure consistency across the state's healthcare system. Additionally, the legislation expands coverage to include self-insured health plans, which were previously excluded from certain reporting requirements. By refining these categories and broadening the scope of included plans, the bill aims to provide clearer data on drug costs for consumers and insurers.