Rep. Priscila Sousa

Maddy summaryHD 835 requires school committees to consider purchasing monthly public transit passes for students as an alternative to traditional school bus contracts before advertising for or inviting bids for transportation services. This applies to all school committees in the state and aims to increase efficiency and sustainability by leveraging existing public transit systems. Committees must follow procedures outlined in Chapter 161A, Section 5 for transit pass purchases. The bill shifts initial planning toward public transit options without mandating their use, focusing on cost and environmental efficiency.

Maddy summaryHD 913 requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually request full state funding for regional school district transportation starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill mandates these funding requests comply with the Commonwealth's existing legal obligation under Chapter 71, Section 16C. This ensures regional school districts receive the full state funding they are legally entitled to for transportation services. The bill directly affects regional school districts by securing consistent state financial support for their transportation needs.

Maddy summaryHD 1444 establishes a 24-month nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers (CHCs) to recruit and retain nurse practitioners (NPs) for primary and preventative care. The program targets NPs who graduated within three years, requiring them to work at a CHC for at least 18 months post-residency under physician or advanced nurse supervision. It mandates $2.5 million annually in state funding, with efforts to secure federal Medicaid reimbursement for the residency costs. The law applies specifically to CHCs receiving federal grants under 42 USC 254b and does not alter existing nursing licensure requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state loan repayment program for healthcare workers at community health centers in Massachusetts. It directly affects primary care physicians, mental health professionals (including community health workers and recovery coaches), and other staff who work at these centers and have student loan debt. The program requires participants to commit to four years of service, prioritizes culturally diverse recruitment, and is funded through an existing state reserve established in 2021. Eligible individuals must not participate in other loan repayment programs and will receive pro-rated assistance based on their work schedule. The program aims to strengthen recruitment and retention of healthcare staff at community health centers statewide.

Maddy summaryHD 597 creates the PLAY Trust Fund to cover sports fees for K-8 public school students in Massachusetts who cannot afford them. The fund is primarily financed by 1% of revenue from the state's sports wagering tax, plus donations and designated appropriations. It also aims to promote youth sports participation as part of efforts to combat childhood obesity. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will manage the fund and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing its use and impact.

By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2330) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for workers employed by transportation and delivery network companies in Massachusetts, such as ride-share and food delivery drivers. It mandates that these workers be presumed to be employees of their companies, granting them the same wage, hour, and benefit rights as other workers in the state. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations to ensure these companies provide safe and reliable services while remaining accountable to consumers and the community.

By Representatives Khan of Newton and Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2349) of Kay Khan, Priscila S. Sousa and others relative to health education in women's correctional institutions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Khan of Newton and Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2350) of Kay Khan, Priscila S. Sousa and others for legislation to further amend the anti-shackling statute for incarcerated pregnant women. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to improve care for pregnant women in correctional facilities by setting specific time limits for postpartum hospital stays. It requires that a woman remain in the hospital only until her doctor confirms she is safe to return to the facility and a pediatrician verifies that the baby has had at least 72 hours with the mother for health stability. The change directly affects incarcerated mothers and their newborns by ensuring they do not leave the hospital prematurely. This provision aims to balance medical safety with the needs of mother and infant during the early post-delivery period.