By Representative Kerans of Danvers and Senator Rausch, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1599) of Sally P. Kerans, Rebecca L. Rausch and others relative to further regulating access to abortion care. The Judiciary.
By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1710) of James J. O'Day, Manny Cruz and others relative to the age of criminal majority. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated state fund to support long-term care facilities and workers in Massachusetts. The fund will finance workforce training programs for nurses and aides, offering financial aid for education, licensing, and childcare, while also providing no-interest loans to facilities for building specialized care units and improving living conditions. An advisory committee comprising state officials and representatives from senior care and labor unions will oversee these initiatives. The legislation also updates legal definitions related to long-term care facilities to clarify terms such as "cohorting" and "isolating" for infection control purposes.
By Representative Donato of Medford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 998) of Paul J. Donato and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to encourage retirement planning by establishment of a Massachusetts secure choice savings program. Financial Services.
By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 495) of James K. Hawkins, Samantha Montaño and others relative to the comprehensive support and improvement of schools. Education.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3272) of Natalie M. Blais and others for legislation to increase regional transit accessibility. Transportation.
The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the Senate amendment of the House Bill promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options (House, No. 4785), reports recommending passage of the accompanying bill (House, No. 4999).
By Representative Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3314) of Brandy Fluker Oakley and others relative providing notices and taking certain other actions to reduce debt-based driving restrictions. Transportation.
By Representative Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1296) of Christine P. Barber and others relative to accessory dwelling units. Housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.
