By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 359) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to promote a healthy culture and climate within schools. Education.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 743) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to rehabilitation periods for recovering substance abusers. Financial Services.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 711) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Paul R. Feeney and David T. Vieira for legislation to require prospective payment system methodology for reimbursement to community health centers. Financial Services.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2143) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to permit enhanced public access to deliberations of public bodies and to permit improved efficiency of public bodies. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Mr. Feeney and Mr. Galvin of Canton, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2605) of Paul R. Feeney and William C. Galvin (by vote of the town) for legislation to further regulate town elections in the town of Canton. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
Maddy summarySD 2041 amends the wage act to clarify that it does not apply to casual employees of government entities (such as hospital workers in public hospitals) or to co-operative association employees who are shareholders (unless they request weekly pay). This means these workers are explicitly excluded from the wage act's requirements for timely payment. The amendment removes ambiguity by stating these categories are not covered by the law. The bill does not extend protections to these groups but defines their exclusion from the wage act's coverage.
Maddy summarySD 924 requires state health coverage to pay for medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21+ with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. The bill mandates coverage for treatments like applied behavior analysis (provided by licensed professionals) and both dedicated and non-dedicated communication devices (including medically necessary tablets). Coverage applies only to individuals already receiving state health coverage under Chapter 118E, with diagnoses confirmed by licensed physicians or psychologists. This policy change directly expands access to essential, evidence-based care for a specific group of adults with qualifying disabilities.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 899) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to hospital profit and fairness. Health Care Financing.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 742) of Paul R. Feeney, James B. Eldridge, Dylan A. Fernandes, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to cognitive rehabilitation. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands who qualifies as a "family member" eligible to be paid as a caregiver in MassHealth-funded home and community-based services. It specifically adds legally liable family members - such as biological/adoptive/foster/step parents, legal guardians, powers of attorney, and adult children - to the definition. The law requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment or waiver to implement this change. It directly affects MassHealth programs that pay family caregivers, allowing more relatives to provide care while being compensated. The change applies to programs funded under Chapter 118E of Massachusetts law.
