Sen. Paul Feeney

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 869) of Adam Gomez, James K. Hawkins, Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 357) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to licensed care and financial resource information for parents of newborns. Education.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 165) of Michael O. Moore, Hannah Kane, David Paul Linsky, Colleen M. Garry and others for legislation to protect individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1741) of Michael O. Moore, James K. Hawkins, Steven S. Howitt, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to police training in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

By Representatives Finn of West Springfield and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 232) of Michael J. Finn, Norman J. Orrall and others relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4487) updates terminology across Massachusetts state law to replace outdated terms like "handicapped," "disabled," and "mentally retarded" with more respectful and current language such as "persons with disabilities" and "intellectual or developmental disability." It amends 33 sections of the General Laws, including provisions related to employment weeks, veteran benefits, healthcare, and community services, to consistently use inclusive terminology. The bill directly affects how state laws reference these communities but does not create new programs or change existing policies. It was reported favorably by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities committee.

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 218) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Joanne M. Comerford, Manny Cruz, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Social Work Uplifting Practices and Exam Removal (“The SUPER Act”). Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Senate, September 2, 2025-- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 218) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Joanne M. Comerford, Manny Cruz, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to Social Work Uplifting Practices and Exam Removal (“The SUPER Act”), report the accompanying bill (Senate, No.2590)..

Maddy summaryHD 4025 amends a state law to extend disability benefits for POST-certified police officers disabled by cardiac disease to additional police forces. The bill adds the University of Massachusetts police, Massachusetts Port Authority police, state university and community college police, environmental law enforcement, and Department of Mental Health campus police to the list of covered entities. Previously, officers in these forces were excluded from the same benefit provision that applied to entities like the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. This change directly affects POST-certified officers in these newly included forces by making them eligible for the same cardiac disability benefits.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1546) of Adam Gomez, Sal N. DiDomenico, John F. Keenan and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to create a task force to identify, monitor, and remediate indoor air pollution and indoor mold contamination in schools, long term care facilities, correctional facilities, early childhood education facilities, public housing and privately-owned residential buildings. Public Health.