Maddy summaryHD 2335 requires health insurers and Medicaid plans in Massachusetts to cover biomarker testing for patients when the test is supported by medical evidence, such as FDA approvals, CMS guidelines, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. It directly affects patients needing personalized treatment (e.g., cancer care) and insurers, mandating coverage for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases. Key provisions include strict timelines for prior authorization decisions (72 hours standard, 24 hours in emergencies), limits on requiring multiple biopsies, and clear processes for patients to appeal coverage denials. The bill ensures access to evidence-based testing without unnecessary delays or disruptions in care.
Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante
Sponsored bills
By Representative Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 362) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante for legislation to further regulate residential contracting agreements. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summarySD 2778 creates the Gloucester Fisheries Commission under Chapter 260 of Massachusetts law. The commission, established by the City of Gloucester, will investigate, advocate for, and recommend measures to promote, preserve, and protect the local fishing industry. It will consist of seven members: the mayor or designee, six appointed by the mayor with city council confirmation, all required to be Gloucester residents knowledgeable about fishing. The bill also authorizes the mayor to appoint an executive director to manage commission operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal process for registered voters in Manchester-by-the-Sea to remove elected town officials from office. It allows a group of at least 200 voters to start a recall by filing an affidavit detailing specific reasons such as corruption or neglect of duty, which must then be supported by signatures from at least 20 percent of the town's registered voters. If the petition is verified, the town select board must schedule a special election within 64 to 90 days, where voters decide whether to remove the official and choose a replacement. The current official continues working until the election takes place or they resign, and the new person elected will serve the remainder of the original term.
Senate, October 28, 2024 - Text of the Senate amendment (Senator Tarr) for the House Bill to recall elected officials in the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea (printed as Senate, No. 440).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires trade contractors and subcontractors working on specific public construction projects in Massachusetts to maintain or participate in registered apprenticeship programs. To qualify for these contracts, companies must hire apprentices from approved programs throughout the project's duration and submit compliance documentation to the Attorney General within 45 days of the contract award. Starting in 2025, only apprenticeship programs that have successfully graduated at least three apprentices to journey worker status in the past five years will be eligible under this law. The legislation applies to contracts issued more than 90 days after the bill becomes effective and covers building construction, repair, maintenance, and demolition.
By Representative Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2789) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante for legislation to establish an artist workspace tax credit. Revenue.
By Representative Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2790) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante for legislation to establish maritime commercial development tax credits. Revenue.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Joan B. Lovely, Susan Williams Gifford, and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to abandoned fishing gear. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to help Massachusetts communities address contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and other environmental media. The fund will be financed through recovered amounts from lawsuits or settlements against manufacturers and sellers of PFAS-containing products, along with other designated transfers and donations. Expenditures from the fund will prioritize vulnerable environmental justice populations and can be used to provide grants to municipalities, counties, and health boards for remediation projects, treatment systems, and private well assistance. The law also establishes rules requiring grant recipients to repay the fund if they later recover costs from liable third parties and prohibits funding for projects caused by the applicant's own negligence.