Rep. Donnie Berthiaume

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to notify an agent of record at least 21 days before lapsing life, disability, or long-term care insurance policies, directly affecting insurance agents and policyholders. Insurers must send the notice via mail, email, or electronic delivery to the agent’s listed address, but the agent is not held responsible for preventing the lapse. Exceptions apply if the insurer uses an automated system to notify brokers, has no current agent record, or the agent works for the insurer or its affiliate. The law aims to give agents time to address coverage issues before policies lapse.

Senate, February 17, 2026 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Durant) for the Senate Bill authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain land in the town of Brookfield (Senate, No. 2128).

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2128) of Peter J. Durant and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. for legislation to authorize the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain land in the town of Brookfield. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 316) of Steven George Xiarhos and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., for an investigation by a special committee on Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living, which shall be charged with oversight of matters to improve the ability of businesses, to form and thrive under law, and to lower the cost of living for residents and families. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Maddy summaryHD 4216 requires businesses that transport garbage, offal, or dumpsters to obtain a single annual permit from their local board of health, valid statewide and costing no more than $150. This replaces the need for multiple local permits for these activities and removes restrictions on garbage collection hours in business, commercial, or industrial zones. The bill also exempts private residences from needing a street occupancy permit for dumpster delivery on private property, while still requiring such permits for public ways.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a restriction that previously prevented public health dental hygienists from seeking reimbursement from insurance companies or third-party payors beyond Medicaid. It allows these hygienists to bill other insurers for services covered under Medicaid, directly affecting public health dental hygienists in Massachusetts. The key change modifies section 51 of chapter 112 to eliminate the requirement that they "shall not seek reimbursement from any other insurance or third party payor." This policy adjustment aims to improve financial sustainability for hygienists working in public health settings.

By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Bruce E. Tarr and others relative to energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (like state fire departments, cities, towns, or fire districts) to provide full-time firefighters with cancer screenings starting three years after they begin working and every three years thereafter. It directly affects firefighters employed by Massachusetts fire departments, including those at military reservations, air bases, and specific regional zones. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers (such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate), with all costs covered by the employer's health plan - no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for firefighters. This mandates a regular, employer-funded health benefit without requiring firefighter contributions.

Maddy summaryHD 1429 repeals a requirement for Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families to annually report on foster care recruitment efforts. The bill removes Section 1 of the original law, which mandated the department to submit a detailed report by October 31 each year to the child advocate, legislative clerks, and relevant committees. The report covered metrics like new foster parents recruited, costs, recruitment challenges, and methods used. This repeal takes effect on December 31, 2026, eliminating the annual reporting obligation.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Medicaid exemption for permanent life insurance policies from the previous amount to $10,000 in face value for applicants and recipients. It specifically applies to whole life, universal life, and other permanent policies that accumulate cash value, while term life insurance (which has no cash value) remains excluded. The exemption will automatically adjust for inflation every five years using the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $100. The law also requires the Medicaid office to report every three years on the policy's financial impact and effects on beneficiary access to life insurance benefits.