Rep. Jon Santiago

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to prohibit professional investors, such as banks and venture capital firms, from discriminating against individuals based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or veteran status when making investment decisions. It specifically bans sexual harassment in investment transactions and allows for exceptions where funds are designated exclusively for historically disadvantaged groups. The legislation outlines that private individuals can sue for damages and legal fees for violations related to sexual harassment, while the Attorney General is responsible for enforcing rules against general discrimination and may also seek damages on behalf of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires covered employers in Massachusetts to submit detailed wage data reports alongside their existing annual reports to the state secretary. The state secretary will then compile this information and publish aggregate wage statistics on the executive office of labor and workforce development website, organized by industry and released annually by June 1. While the bill mandates the collection and public release of these aggregate statistics, it explicitly excludes the individual wage data reports from being considered public records, thereby protecting specific employer information from public disclosure.

By Representatives Khan of Newton and Santiago of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2859) of Kay Khan, Jon Santiago and others for legislation to impose an excise tax on distributors of certain drinks with added sugar and promoting healthy alternatives to such drinks. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits suppliers, energy marketers, and brokers from signing new electricity generation contracts with individual residential customers starting January 1, 2025. It applies specifically to private deals between these companies and households, while explicitly exempting municipal aggregation programs where local governments purchase power on behalf of residents. Violations of this rule would be treated as unfair and deceptive acts, allowing the Attorney General to pursue legal action to enforce the ban and seek penalties or restitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and student health programs in Massachusetts to make their prior authorization rules transparent and easier to follow. It mandates that these entities publish their review criteria online in a searchable format and notify members of any changes before they take effect. Additionally, the law prohibits insurers from denying coverage for services that have already been approved unless there was fraudulent information involved. The legislation also compels insurance carriers to submit annual reports detailing approval rates, denial rates, and processing times for various medical services. These measures aim to reduce administrative burdens and improve the predictability of the authorization process for patients and providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to include hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator training in their health or physical education curricula for grades 9 through 12. The law mandates that every student participate in this instruction as a graduation requirement, though students with a physician's note or a parent's written objection may be exempted. School districts must choose a free training program modeled after guidelines from a nationally recognized CPR organization and ensure it includes hands-on practice for each student. The new requirements are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Thermal Transition Trust Fund within the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to support the state's shift toward clean heating systems. The fund will be financed by revenues collected from existing energy-related fees and any other money specifically directed to it by the legislature. Money in the trust can only be used for expenses directly related to clean heat initiatives and the administrative costs of running the fund. The bill creates a dedicated financial mechanism to ensure resources are available for future clean energy projects without immediately spending state general funds.

By Representatives Moran of Lawrence and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3194) of Frank A. Moran, Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the use of contractors for repairing or performing work on public utility infrastructure. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3232) of Andres X. Vargas and others for legislation to establish a zero carbon renovation fund to provide for the costs associated with energy efficiency renovations of certain existing buildings. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2281) of Andres X. Vargas and others relative to the development and posting of guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students about the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease. Public Health.