Rep. Pat Haddad

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts laws to allow credit unions to purchase failing mutual or stock banks and assume their deposit liabilities. It establishes a process where a bank's members can vote to dissolve the institution and sell its assets to a credit union through an expedited liquidation procedure. Under the new rules, the credit union would immediately take over the bank's branches, and the bank's depositors would become members of the credit union within two years. The state banking commissioner retains the authority to approve these transactions and oversee the liquidation process.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to deposit public funds in credit unions and federal credit unions, expanding their investment options beyond traditional banks. It achieves this by amending state laws to explicitly include credit unions alongside existing financial institutions where towns can place their money. Additionally, the legislation sets a limit requiring that public funds held by any single credit union cannot exceed 25% of that institution's total assets. These changes directly affect local governments and the financial institutions that serve them by broadening the range of eligible places for municipal savings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Massachusetts to cover autism-related benefits for dependents of policyholders, regardless of the dependent's age. It mandates that various types of health plans, including group policies, hospital service agreements, and health maintenance contracts, must include these specific coverage provisions. The legislation also updates the legal definition of an "eligible dependent" to ensure that children with autism spectrum disorders remain covered by their parents' insurance plans even after turning twenty-six. These changes apply to policies delivered, issued, or renewed within the state, with exceptions for stand-alone dental services and government programs like Medicare.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to establish at least two specialized intensive stabilization and treatment units, one for men and one for women, to serve patients displaying persistently aggressive or violently atypical behavior. These units must be located at a specific central site, kept physically separate from other facilities, and provide comprehensive care including violence assessments, behavioral management, and psychiatric treatment by staff with specialized training. Once a patient's behavior is stabilized, the unit's team is required to create a plan for their safe and timely transfer out of the facility.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers. Public Service.

By Representatives Doherty of Taunton and Haddad of Somerset, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Carol A. Doherty and Patricia A. Haddad for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) of the welfare and best interest considerations of children in care and protection cases. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2338) of James K. Hawkins, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., and others relative to benefits for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representative Barrows of Mansfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3142) of F. Jay Barrows and others relative to municipal light plants. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to ensure that pregnancy care services are covered by health insurance plans without requiring patients to pay deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically targets plans governed by state regulations, though it allows cost-sharing to remain if a plan must comply with federal tax rules to maintain its tax-exempt status. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurance plans cannot impose unreasonable restrictions or delays on accessing these covered services. The Massachusetts Insurance Commission is tasked with monitoring and enforcing compliance with these new requirements to protect patient access to care.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Roger E. Mercaldi, Jr., Ryan C. Fattman, Kathleen R. LaNatra and others for legislation to properly recognize merchant marine veterans. Veterans and Federal Affairs.