Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Executive Office of Food Resources and Security within the Massachusetts state government, headed by a governor-appointed secretary. It creates eight specialized departments (including food production, labor, innovation, and security) to coordinate state efforts related to food systems. The office is tasked with directly supporting food producers, promoting local food economies, developing nutrition programs, reducing production costs, and advancing research - all aimed at strengthening Massachusetts' food self-sufficiency. Key mechanisms include consolidating administrative functions across departments and creating state-wide programs to improve sustainable food production and distribution.

Maddy summaryHD 3454 clarifies the definition of fraud in public construction bidding to better protect government projects. It requires bidders to certify under penalty of perjury that their bids contain no intentional misrepresentations, omissions, or false statements, and expands the definition of "person" to include all business entities. The bill also adds a specific fraud definition covering knowingly false statements, misleading acts, or reckless disregard of truth intended to mislead. These changes directly affect contractors and bidders submitting proposals for public construction projects in Massachusetts. The law updates certification requirements in bid submissions and appeal grounds to address fraudulent practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand eligibility for the CORE 401(k) retirement program by removing the previous restriction that limited participation to employers with more than 20 employees. It directly affects small employers (previously excluded under the 20-employee cap) by allowing them to join the CORE program. The key provision adds authority for the state treasurer to seek private donations or grants to reduce the program’s operating costs, without changing the core retirement benefits offered. The changes focus on broadening access and improving program efficiency.

Maddy summaryHD 245 creates a state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative administered by the Department of Public Health. It establishes a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council (including patient advocates and representatives from cancer networks) to develop hospital certification standards, identify underserved areas for improved care access, create a multi-provider consortium for best practices, and develop a standard tissue consent form for research. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and patient needs, plus a public education program about genetic risks and symptoms. Additionally, it requires the insurance commissioner to survey genetic testing coverage and the health center to update pancreatic cancer screening benefit reviews by 2026. This bill directly affects pancreatic cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the state's public health infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans covering commonwealth employees (under group insurance) and Medicaid enrollees to cover biomarker testing - tests analyzing tissue or blood to identify biological markers for guiding treatment - when supported by medical evidence like FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS determinations. Insurers must approve or deny prior authorization requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), with automatic approval if no response is given. The bill also mandates coverage without unnecessary disruptions, such as multiple biopsies, to ensure continuous patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate recording fees for subordinate mortgages on affordable housing projects when extended by public or quasi-public agencies (like cities/towns or the Massachusetts Housing Partnership). It directly affects affordable housing developers and public housing entities by removing a cost barrier for these specific mortgage filings. The key change modifies two sections of Massachusetts law to exempt these mortgage filings from standard CPA recording fees. This policy shift aims to reduce administrative costs for affordable housing financing without altering housing eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Senate, July 28, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Tarr) for the Senate Bill establishing the Gloucester Fisheries Commission (Senate, No. 2507).

By Representative Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 123) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante relative to certain reimbursement of the marine recreational fisheries development fund. Agriculture.

Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill HD 3453 requires trade contractors and subcontractors working on certain construction projects (including building construction, repair, and maintenance covered under specific Massachusetts laws) to participate in approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of a contract award, these contractors must join a registered apprenticeship program (either state-approved or U.S. Department of Labor-approved) and employ registered apprentices throughout the project’s duration. Effective January 1, 2025, eligible programs must have graduated apprentices to journey worker status for at least three of the past five years. Contractors must submit written compliance documentation, including program details, to the Attorney General within 45 days of contract award.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents snow removal companies and their customers (like homeowners or businesses) from including unfair liability clauses in their contracts. It bans contract terms that would force a snow removal company to cover damages caused by the customer (or their employees), or force a customer to cover damages caused by the company (or its employees). Any such clause in a snow removal or ice control service contract is now void and unenforceable under Massachusetts law. The law directly affects all parties entering these types of agreements across the state.