Maddy summaryHD 867 establishes an advisory board to review and advise on services and policies for people with acquired brain injuries (including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors) and their families. The board, composed of 20 members including state agency representatives, individuals with brain injuries, family caregivers, clinicians, and service providers, will meet quarterly to assess needs, monitor access to rehabilitation services, and track implementation of prior recommendations. It must file biennial reports with state leaders detailing progress on improving community-based support services and policy changes. The bill directly affects individuals with acquired brain injuries, their families, and the state agencies responsible for their care.
Rep. Priscila Sousa
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to develop standards for identifying and fixing indoor air pollution and mold in schools, nursing homes, public housing, childcare centers, and other residential buildings. The task force, including health and environmental officials plus community representatives, must submit recommendations within one year, including public comment periods. It also requires the Department of Public Health to create new regulations by December 2026 for monitoring ultrafine particles and black carbon in indoor air, based on current health science. These rules will apply to both existing and new buildings, directly affecting residents and staff in the specified facilities.
Maddy summaryH 4590 creates a task force to address indoor air pollution in schools, care facilities, housing, and other community buildings. The task force, including health, environmental, and community experts, must develop recommendations for monitoring and fixing air quality issues within one year, with public input required before finalizing. It also mandates the Department of Public Health to create regulations by July 2027 for testing ultrafine particles and black carbon in indoor air, based on current health science. These regulations will require standard testing procedures and public reporting for existing and new buildings. The bill directly affects residents and staff in the specified facilities by establishing new air quality standards and oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' anti-shackling law to better protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women. It defines "postpartum recovery" as the period after childbirth (minimum 6 weeks, extendable by a doctor) and replaces outdated terms like "post-delivery recuperation" with this new definition. The law prohibits shackling any pregnant or postpartum woman "under any circumstances or in any setting," requires facility administrators to report restraint use within 48 hours (without personal details), and mandates annual public compliance reports to the legislature. These changes directly affect incarcerated women in state and county facilities and require staff training, facility administrators, and the secretary of public safety to implement and report on new safeguards.
Maddy summaryHD 826 requires correctional facilities to keep incarcerated women in the hospital after childbirth until two medical professionals approve discharge: the attending physician must certify the mother's safety, and the infant's pediatrician must confirm the baby has had sufficient time with the mother (up to a maximum of 72 hours) to ensure the infant's health. This bill directly affects pregnant and postpartum women in state correctional facilities and their newborn infants. The key provision replaces the previous language with a specific 72-hour maximum stay requirement tied to medical assessments for both mother and infant. The law aims to ensure both the mother's and infant's health are medically verified before transfer back to the facility.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for individuals to become school bus drivers without holding a full Commercial Driver's License (CDL) upfront. It allows people without a CDL to take the written exam solely for school bus operation, exempting them from questions about vehicle maintenance and inspections. The resulting license would only permit operating school buses, requiring a full CDL exam for other commercial vehicles. School districts, as the vehicle owners, would be responsible for ensuring all school bus maintenance and inspections are properly conducted.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4534) regulates credit practices between cannabis licensees in Massachusetts. It prohibits licensees from extending credit for cannabis products beyond 60 days and requires them to report delinquent accounts to the Cannabis Control Commission within 3 days. Licensees on the delinquent list cannot receive shipments unless paying in full upfront via certified funds or approved electronic methods, and the list must be updated within 24 hours of payment. The bill includes exceptions for disasters (requiring a hearing) and imposes a $5,000 fine for violations, while ensuring credit rights remain intact. It directly affects all cannabis retailers, medical facilities, and distributors licensed under Chapter 94G.
By Representatives Sousa of Framingham and Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 180) of Priscila S. Sousa and Aaron L. Saunders relative to accounts receivable in the cannabis industry. Cannabis Policy.
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against participants in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers, drug companies, and distributors to provide equal reimbursement and treatment to 340B-covered entities (like safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies, banning lower payments, special restrictions, or interference with patient choices to access 340B drugs. The law explicitly forbids denying 340B drug access, disrupting contracts between pharmacies and 340B entities, or demanding extra data as a condition for supplying 340B drugs. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and pharmacies participating in the 340B program within Massachusetts.
By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.