Maddy summaryH 4642 requires Massachusetts teacher preparation programs to align with evidence-based literacy instruction, including the five research-based reading areas (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). School districts must screen all K-3 students twice yearly using approved tools, provide evidence-based interventions within 30 days for students significantly below benchmarks, and inform parents of results. The bill mandates that elementary literacy curricula must cover these research-based areas and use scientifically validated methods, prohibiting approaches like "three-cueing" (MSV). It also requires annual public reporting of program quality, screening tool usage, and graduate employment data by the education commissioner.
Rep. Justin Thurber
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHD 3297 creates a 27-member commission to study funding solutions for wastewater infrastructure improvements in 14 South Coast Massachusetts towns (including Acushnet, New Bedford, and Plymouth) affected by nitrogen pollution. The commission will examine the costs of expanding sewers, upgrading treatment facilities, reducing overflows, and converting septic systems, then identify fair revenue options like fees or taxes. It must hold public hearings, consult experts, and submit a report with specific funding recommendations to state officials within one year. The bill itself does not fund projects but establishes a process to develop future legislation for addressing nitrogen pollution in coastal waters.
Maddy summaryH 4672 requires Massachusetts school districts to use evidence-based literacy instruction for kindergarten through grade 3, banning methods like "three-cueing" (guessing from pictures or context) and mandating curricula aligned with five research-backed reading skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Districts must select "high-quality" curricula approved by the education department, though they can apply for waivers or pilot programs with specific reporting requirements. The bill also mandates annual data reporting on literacy implementation and creates resources for teacher training on evidence-based methods. It directly affects K-3 teachers, school districts, and curriculum developers by changing how reading programs are selected and evaluated.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Swansea to issue up to six new licenses for establishments to serve alcohol on-premises within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area. The licenses are restricted to specific zones outlined in Swansea's zoning map (along Route 6 and Route 118), must be marked "Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area," and cannot be transferred outside this zone. Businesses must provide proof of tax compliance to the licensing authority before receiving a license, and licenses expire or return to the town if not renewed or terminated. The law directly affects new or existing restaurants and bars seeking to operate in this designated redevelopment area.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts school districts to use research-backed reading methods (like structured phonics instruction) for students in kindergarten through third grade, replacing less effective approaches such as guessing from pictures. It mandates early literacy screenings for K-3 students, requiring districts to implement intervention if over half of students fall below reading benchmarks. Districts must align all literacy curricula with evidence-based practices covering the five key reading components (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension), and provide teacher training on these methods. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will create guidelines for identifying reading deficiencies, approve professional development programs, and collect annual data on implementation starting in 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against participants in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers, drug companies, and distributors to provide equal reimbursement and treatment to 340B-covered entities (like safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies, banning lower payments, special restrictions, or interference with patient choices to access 340B drugs. The law explicitly forbids denying 340B drug access, disrupting contracts between pharmacies and 340B entities, or demanding extra data as a condition for supplying 340B drugs. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and pharmacies participating in the 340B program within Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryHD 1119 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from discriminating against hospitals and patients participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. The bill specifically bans PBMs from reimbursing 340B hospitals at lower rates than non-340B hospitals, charging extra fees for 340B participation, restricting network access based on 340B status, or requiring special identification for 340B drugs (except for Medicaid claims). It also prevents PBMs from steering patients away from 340B providers or imposing higher costs like extra copays for drugs obtained through these hospitals. This state-level bill directly affects 340B-covered hospitals (including community health centers and safety-net providers) and their patients by ensuring equitable access to discounted medications.
By Mrs. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2562) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly A. Dooner and Justin Thurber for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges, an employee of the department of correction. Public Service.
Maddy summaryThis bill directly affects Wendy Lopriore, a Massachusetts teachers' retirement system member, by requiring the retirement system to count her teaching service at Bristol Community College (July 1995-August 1997) toward her retirement benefits. It mandates that she repay the retirement deductions she would have paid during that period, plus interest, before her retirement allowance becomes effective. The bill specifically modifies how her past service is calculated for her superannuation retirement allowance under state law. This is a personal, non-general policy adjustment for one individual’s retirement benefits.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to enhance transparency in electric bills. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.