Rep. Paul Frost

Maddy summaryHD 2247 prohibits health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers from including "gag clauses" in contracts with pharmacies. These clauses previously blocked pharmacists from telling patients about the actual cost of medications or cheaper alternatives, like paying cash. The bill requires pharmacists to share cost information and alternative purchasing options without penalty. Additionally, it ensures patients pay no more at the pharmacy than they would if paying cash for the medication without insurance.

Maddy summaryHD 2246 establishes a 10-member commission to study how insurance plans and pharmaceutical benefit managers set "maximum allowable costs lists" - tools that define the highest payment amount for prescription drugs. The commission, including government officials and representatives from health plans, pharmacists, drug companies, and pharmacy benefit managers, will examine current practices, financial impacts, and transparency around these lists. It must submit a report and any proposed legislation to state committees within 180 days of the bill's passage. This bill creates a review process but does not change existing drug payment rules.

Maddy summaryHD 3770 shortens the time period employers must wait before being presumed to have retaliated against employees who use leave or engage in protected activities. It changes the presumption from applying after "6 months" to only "3 months" and removes the requirement that employers prove their actions weren't retaliation with "clear and convincing evidence." This makes it easier for employees to establish retaliation claims by reducing the burden on them to prove the timing of employer actions. The bill directly affects employees filing retaliation claims under Chapter 175M and employers defending against such claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds pregnancy as a qualifying event for special enrollment in Massachusetts' state health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act. It allows pregnant individuals to enroll in a health plan within 30 days of pregnancy start (with certification from a licensed healthcare provider) and requires coverage to be effective the first day of the following month. The change directly affects pregnant people seeking health insurance, removing typical enrollment barriers during pregnancy. Coverage must begin no later than the first day of the month after certification is received. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how sales tax applies to phone deals where you buy a device with a service plan. Instead of taxing only the service, vendors must now apply sales tax to the phone's price when sold together. It directly affects phone retailers selling bundled device-and-service packages. The change updates the tax code to clarify that the device price is subject to tax in these cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2244) changes Massachusetts insurance law to prevent drivers from facing higher insurance rates due to driving with an expired vehicle inspection sticker. It directly affects drivers who might otherwise have received an insurance rate increase for this specific violation. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly state that an expired inspection sticker is not considered a "surchargeable incident" for insurance purposes. This is a technical adjustment to insurance regulations, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryHD 2261 requires the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to share license holder information with city or town clerks when verifying voter identity and eligibility, and with state law enforcement agencies during investigations. The bill amends existing law to mandate that the attorney general's regulations must include this specific requirement for data sharing. This change directly affects the RMV's procedures, making it necessary to provide license details upon request for these two purposes. The policy does not alter driver's license issuance but specifies when the RMV must share existing license data with election officials and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies tax exemption rules for small commercial properties in Massachusetts cities and towns. It allows local governments to grant tax exemptions to commercial parcels where at least 50% of occupants are "eligible businesses," or for mixed residential/commercial properties where 50% of the commercial portion meets this threshold. The change directly affects small businesses seeking tax relief and local officials administering property tax exemptions. It does not define "eligible businesses" but sets a clear 50% occupancy requirement for exemption eligibility.

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to a municipal tax amnesty program. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to transition their medium- and heavy-duty truck fleets to zero-emission vehicles (specifically battery electric models). Starting July 1, 2025, all new purchases or leases for such vehicles must be zero-emission, with the entire fleet fully converted by June 30, 2035. Exceptions are allowed if battery electric trucks don’t meet operational needs or charging infrastructure can’t support them, but agencies must explain each exception annually. The bill also mandates yearly reports detailing fleet composition, vehicle specifications, and justification for non-zero-emission purchases.