Rep. Angelo D'Emilia

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow businesses to register for the state's "Do Not Call" list, which currently only covers residential phone numbers. By redefining the term "consumer" to include corporations and other entities, the legislation expands the list's scope to protect businesses from unwanted telemarketing calls. The changes remove the word "residential" from specific sections of the existing statute and replace instances of "person" with "consumer" to ensure businesses are legally recognized as eligible subscribers. Consequently, businesses operating in the state would gain the ability to opt out of unsolicited sales calls just as individual homeowners can.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from charging unconscionably excessive prices for essential health-related items, such as masks, disinfectants, and over-the-counter medications, during a declared public health emergency in Massachusetts. It defines a price as excessive if it rises more than fifteen percent above the cost charged immediately before the emergency, unless the seller can prove that out-of-control costs forced the increase. To enforce these rules, the Attorney General or District Attorney can seek court orders to stop violations and impose civil penalties of up to twenty-five thousand dollars per offense, along with the forfeiture of profits from the illegal transactions. The law applies to all sellers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require health insurers to pay ambulance service providers directly for emergency services rendered to insured individuals, even when the provider is not part of the insurer's existing network. The legislation mandates that insurers make these payments promptly once an insured person signs an assignment of benefits or is unable to do so due to their condition. By establishing a direct payment pathway, the bill aims to ensure that emergency medical transport providers receive compensation without relying on the insured to pay out-of-pocket first. This change applies to all types of insurance policies covering transportation services within the state, including those held by individuals and organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve school safety in Massachusetts by requiring cities and towns to create a special phone line for reporting threats to schools. It mandates that participating municipalities assign a school resource officer to every school building during regular hours and provides state assistance for funding physical security upgrades like hardened locks and surveillance systems. Additionally, the legislation requires school districts to implement specific training for students and staff on how to respond to active shooter situations, along with regular safety audits. Districts must also submit annual reports on their safety policies and activities to state agencies, while keeping specific security plans confidential to protect school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to review state requirements placed on public schools and districts that are not fully funded by the state. The group will consist of 11 members, including education committee chairs, legislative leaders, the commissioner of education, and representatives from various school organizations. The task force will identify existing laws and reporting rules, suggest ways to simplify or remove unfunded mandates, and calculate the total estimated cost these requirements impose on local municipalities. It must hold at least one public hearing and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within 12 months of the first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund to support retired police dogs in Massachusetts. The fund will be managed by the secretary of the executive office of public safety and security and will be financed through state appropriations, grants, gifts, and investment earnings. Money from the fund will be given directly to non-profit organizations within the state to cover the care and medical needs of these retired animals, and the secretary must ensure the funds are used by reputable groups. Each year, the fund administrator must submit a report detailing how much money was received, spent, and remaining to the state legislature and relevant committees.

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2338) of James K. Hawkins, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., and others relative to benefits for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes the Foundation Budget Review Commission a permanent body in Massachusetts instead of a temporary one. The commission will meet every five years to examine how school funding is calculated and suggest changes to ensure resources are used effectively for student success. Its membership includes leaders from the state government, the legislature, and various education and business organizations, and it must hold at least four public hearings before making recommendations. The law also clarifies that state employees and school district staff can serve on the commission without violating ethics rules, provided they recuse themselves from discussions that directly affect their own employment or pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to update the names of various health and insurance agencies, such as changing the "commissioner of insurance" to the "commissioner of health insurance." It also reorganizes certain divisions within the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to better reflect their specific roles in health and insurance oversight. Additionally, the legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "health equity," "private equity company," and "significant equity investor" to clarify how these concepts apply to healthcare providers. By adding these definitions and updating agency titles, the bill aims to improve the clarity and accuracy of the state's market review and regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow veterans' organizations in Massachusetts to operate up to five slot machines on their premises for members and invited guests. It creates a new "limited slot machine license" issued by the Gaming Commission, which is valid for five years and cannot be transferred to another entity. The legislation defines eligible applicants as organizations incorporated by the U.S. Congress and sets a maximum application or renewal fee of $500, with funds going to the state's Gaming Revenue Fund. Under this plan, the Commission would be responsible for registering, inspecting, and testing the machines to ensure compliance.