By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3073) of Marjorie C. Decker, Mindy Domb and others for legislation to support families through enhanced tax credits. Revenue.
By Representatives Connolly of Cambridge and Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3056) of Mike Connolly, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others for legislation to support affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions. Revenue.
By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2505) of James J. O'Day, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others for legislation to authorize attending physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying medication that will end the life of patients in a peaceful manner. Public Health.
By Representative Ultrino of Malden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1415) of Steven Ultrino for legislation to protect qualified medicare beneficiaries from improper billing. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination against entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers and drug distributors to pay 340B-covered entities (like community health centers and safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies the same rate as non-340B providers for covered drugs, without imposing special requirements or modifiers for 340B drugs. The law also protects patients' choice to receive 340B drugs from participating providers without interference. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law, enforced by the Attorney General and pharmacy board. The bill directly affects 340B program participants, their pharmacy partners, insurers, and drug manufacturers/distributors operating in Massachusetts.
By Representative Schwartz of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2537) of Greg Schwartz and others relative to primary care access. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants, schools, sports leagues, and other public venues to purchase and keep epinephrine autoinjectors on-site to treat severe allergic reactions. To do so, these locations must get approval from the state department, ensure their staff completes specific emergency training, and store the devices in easily accessible places. Trained employees are authorized to use these injectors on anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, even if the person does not have a personal prescription for the medication. The law also provides legal protection from lawsuits for these venues and their staff when administering the drug in good faith, while requiring them to report each use to the state for public analysis.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases access to epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions by allowing pharmacists to dispense autoinjectors without a prescription under a statewide standing order, with liability protection for good-faith actions. It also shields first responders from drug possession charges when seeking medical help for anaphylaxis and permits businesses (like schools, restaurants, and sports venues) to maintain and store epinephrine supplies with staff training. Pharmacists must complete anaphylaxis recognition training, and all entities must report dispensing data anonymously to the state. The law aims to make emergency treatment more accessible while protecting those administering it.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 764) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to flu prevention for seniors. Elder Affairs.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2665) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to require employers to notify current employees of an I-9 employment eligibility verification form, or other employment records, within 72 hours of receiving the notice from a government agency. Labor and Workforce Development.
