Maddy summaryThis bill updates the official name of Massachusetts' oversight body from the "Disabled Persons Protection Commission" to the "Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities" across multiple state laws. The legislation also redefines key terms used in investigations, such as "abuse" and "caretaker," to clarify what constitutes harmful actions by those responsible for a person's well-being. Additionally, it specifies that the commission's authority applies to adults aged 18 to 59 who have intellectual, developmental, or other mental or physical disabilities that make them dependent on others for daily living needs. These changes aim to modernize language and ensure that investigative practices clearly reflect the specific needs of the population the commission protects.
Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2516) of Michael D. Brady and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida (by vote of the town) for legislation to validate the results of the annual election held in the town of Whitman on May 20, 2023. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify definitions regarding service animals and establish a formal process for verifying their legitimate status. It creates a new section in the state's general laws to define terms like "service dog" and "service-dog-in-training" based on federal standards, while explicitly protecting business owners from misrepresentation. A key provision requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop and distribute a verification decal for businesses to display in their windows or doors. This decal will be created in collaboration with national service dog organizations, restaurant owner associations, and business owner associations to help identify legitimate service animals.
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2195) of Natalie M. Higgins and others for legislation to establish a sexual assault counselor task force. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission in Massachusetts to study and develop policies against the financial abuse of people over the age of 60. The commission will be composed of legislators, legal experts, advocates for the elderly, representatives from the real estate and financial industries, and staff from aging councils. Its specific tasks include investigating how financial abuse impacts seniors, reviewing predatory lending practices, examining undervalued property transfers, and analyzing deceptive telemarketing or online scams targeting older adults. The group is required to submit a final report with policy recommendations to state officials by December 31, 2021.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2954) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to regulate how pharmacy benefit managers determine reimbursement rates for pharmacies. It requires these managers to publish their pricing lists and update them within seven days if wholesale drug costs rise significantly. Additionally, the legislation establishes a formal appeal process allowing pharmacies to challenge reimbursement amounts that are too low or do not meet specific criteria. If a pharmacy successfully challenges a rate, the manager must adjust the pricing and allow the pharmacy to resubmit claims for affected prescriptions.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands employment protections for domestic violence victims in Massachusetts by specifically covering contract workers who are currently excluded from existing leave laws. It mandates that employers allow these workers to take up to 15 days of leave within a 12-month period to seek medical care, legal assistance, housing, or protective orders related to abuse. While the bill grants the right to take this time off, it leaves the decision regarding whether the leave is paid or unpaid entirely to the employer's discretion. The legislation also outlines requirements for providing notice to employers and specifies acceptable documentation to verify the need for leave.