Rep. Pat Duffy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide annual funding of at least $150 million to regional transit authorities across Massachusetts. The money will come from a portion of the surcharges currently collected from transportation network companies, such as ride-sharing services. The funding amount will automatically adjust each year based on inflation and cannot increase by more than three percent compared to the previous year. Additionally, the law limits how much any single transit authority can receive to ensure the money is distributed among multiple organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Thermal Transition Trust Fund within the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to support the state's shift toward clean heating systems. The fund will be financed by revenues collected from existing energy-related fees and any other money specifically directed to it by the legislature. Money in the trust can only be used for expenses directly related to clean heat initiatives and the administrative costs of running the fund. The bill creates a dedicated financial mechanism to ensure resources are available for future clean energy projects without immediately spending state general funds.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3232) of Andres X. Vargas and others for legislation to establish a zero carbon renovation fund to provide for the costs associated with energy efficiency renovations of certain existing buildings. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts education laws to update high school graduation requirements and improve support for struggling schools. It establishes a new competency determination based on mastery of core skills in math, science, technology, and English, allowing districts to include history, social science, and foreign languages. Students who do not meet these standards would receive an educational assistance plan to help them achieve mastery, while parents would have the chance to review these plans. Additionally, the bill changes how schools identified for comprehensive support are selected, requiring that student growth be weighted as heavily as student achievement in the evaluation formula.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the state education commissioner to provide a detailed turnaround plan with specific metrics to school districts designated as chronically underperforming. The plan must be delivered within 60 days of the district's designation and outlines the steps needed for the district to exit receivership. Additionally, the legislation establishes a mandatory timeline ensuring that local control is returned to the school district after six years of state oversight. These changes directly affect school committees in struggling districts by setting clear expectations for improvement and limiting the duration of external management.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered pharmacists in Massachusetts to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral contraceptives without requiring a prior prescription from a doctor. To ensure safety, pharmacists would need to complete specific training, use a risk assessment tool with the patient, and refer the individual to a primary care provider after the transaction. The legislation also mandates that pharmacists provide a written record of the prescription and prohibits requiring patients to schedule an appointment for this service. These changes aim to increase access to birth control by enabling pharmacists to directly provide these medications to anyone who needs them.

By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Hannah Kane and others relative to date labels on food packaging of products. Public Health.

By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2193) of Natalie M. Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to expanding after-death options and the disposal of human bodies. Public Health.