Rep. Jack Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the life of the non-emergency human services transportation task force in Massachusetts until December 1, 2026. The task force, which was previously established to study transportation options for people receiving human services, will continue its work during this extended period. By the deadline, the group must submit a final report and any suggested laws to relevant government officials and committees. The bill also allows the task force to share its draft report with the public for feedback before the final submission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to formally define "miniature" as any sealable container holding no more than 100 milliliters of an alcoholic beverage. By adding this specific definition to existing regulations, the legislation clarifies how these small bottles should be treated under current disposal rules. The changes directly impact businesses and individuals who handle or discard these containers by establishing a clear legal standard for their classification.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to update Massachusetts home care regulations to include individuals diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. The change applies to people of any age who meet the standard eligibility requirements for home care services. By mandating that relevant agencies issue necessary rules, the legislation ensures that these specific patients can access home care programs without age restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $50 million fund to support Massachusetts municipal utilities in adopting clean energy technologies and reducing emissions. The fund will provide grants specifically prioritized for projects that benefit environmental justice communities, low-income housing, elderly housing, and those utilizing innovative decarbonization strategies. Additionally, the legislation allocates $7.5 million to help smaller or lower-income municipal utilities meet their renewable energy goals by 2030. The bill also requires the administering agency to publish an annual spending plan after holding a public hearing to gather community feedback.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Department of Energy Transformation Planning within the Massachusetts executive office to oversee long-term energy system planning. The department will be led by a commissioner appointed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, who will work under the secretary's supervision. The legislation defines key terms such as "environmental justice population" and "environmental burdens" to ensure that energy planning considers climate change impacts and equitable distribution of resources. By establishing this new department, the bill aims to reform how the state plans its electric grid, natural gas networks, and other utility investments to address equity and climate goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid coverage for doula services, which provide non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals during pregnancy, labor, and the year following childbirth or pregnancy loss. The legislation mandates that the state cover continuous labor support and at least six doula visits, including two postpartum visits, without requiring prior authorization, while also ensuring access for eligible individuals regardless of immigration status. Additionally, the bill establishes a Doula Advisory Committee composed of practicing doulas and community members with personal perinatal experiences to oversee the program and ensure diverse representation.

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 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.