Rep. David Linsky

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid to cover doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The coverage includes continuous labor support, home visits, assistance with appointments, and help connecting families to community resources. By adding this specific provision to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that state-funded health care plans include these supportive services for qualifying beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to allow school districts and other educational agencies to receive direct reimbursement from MassHealth for medically necessary services provided to students. The legislation changes the terminology used in state statutes to specifically refer to "local educational authorities" rather than general government entities when discussing these payments. It mandates that any funds received must be used exclusively to support school-based health services and related administrative tasks without replacing existing school health budgets. Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as school-based services and school personnel to clarify which staff members and activities qualify for reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a five-year pilot program that offers an alternative path to teacher certification. Instead of requiring all candidates to pass standard state exams, the program would allow individuals to earn preliminary certification based on their teaching experience and student growth scores over four years. The alternative process could also waive one of the two required tests for candidates who have already been certified in another state, shown significant impact on student growth while working outside Massachusetts, or completed a satisfactory portfolio of work. This initiative directly affects aspiring educators by providing a more flexible route to licensure that relies on demonstrated proficiency rather than solely on standardized testing.

By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2503) of Mindy Domb and others for legislation to require the public pension fund to divest from ammunition and firearms. Public Service.

By Representative Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2481) of Rob Consalvo and others relative to the Group Insurance Commission Trust Fund. Public Service.

By Representative Linsky of Natick, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3370) of David Paul Linsky and Carmine Lawrence Gentile relative to increasing the fine for speeding in a “breakdown lane” where such travel is permitted. Transportation.

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2582) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance benefits for certain state employees. Public Service.

By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3164) of Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo and others relative to improving outdoor lighting and increasing dark-sky visibility. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2584) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance for municipal employees. Public Service.