Rep. Tom Stanley

Maddy summaryH 4831 requires all local, regional, and state public meetings to offer free, accessible remote participation and viewing. It mandates that remote attendees can vote, count toward quorum, and access meetings without fees or barriers - including captioning and disability accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public bodies must post meeting notices online 48 hours in advance (excluding holidays), and state meetings must be recorded and posted within 10 business days. The bill updates notice requirements for different government bodies and ensures remote access is available to all, including people with disabilities.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3299) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others relative to participation in public meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3300) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others relative to bidding for public construction contracts. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 968) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote housing stability and homelessness prevention through a right to counsel pilot program in Massachusetts in response to the COVID-emergency. Housing.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2307) of Michael O. Moore, Brian W. Murray, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to transparency in private utility construction contracts. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1522) of Lydia Edwards, Adam Gomez, Susannah M. Whipps, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote patient safety and equitable access to care. Public Health.

By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2432) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

Maddy summaryH 4344 requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts (including employer plans and MassHealth) to cover doula services without cost-sharing like deductibles or copays. It mandates a minimum of 20 hours of prenatal/postpartum support per pregnancy, continuous labor support, and reimbursement at MassHealth rates, while prohibiting referrals and additional credentialing requirements. The bill directly affects insurers, policyholders, and doulas by standardizing coverage for non-medical support during pregnancy, birth, adoption, loss, and postpartum care. Key provisions include eliminating prior authorization for coverage and requiring policies to follow state-developed doula credentialing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans covering commonwealth employees (under group insurance) and Medicaid enrollees to cover biomarker testing - tests analyzing tissue or blood to identify biological markers for guiding treatment - when supported by medical evidence like FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS determinations. Insurers must approve or deny prior authorization requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), with automatic approval if no response is given. The bill also mandates coverage without unnecessary disruptions, such as multiple biopsies, to ensure continuous patient care.

By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 243) of Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo and others relative to terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.