By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 215) of John J. Cronin for legislation updating the definition of physical therapy. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summaryHD 1090 creates a new dental therapist license to expand access to preventive dental care, particularly for underserved groups including children, elderly patients, and residents in areas with limited dental services. Dental therapists must complete accredited education, pass a clinical exam, and work under a collaborative agreement with a supervising dentist to provide services like preventive care and administer non-narcotic medications. Public schools are required to notify parents about oral health screenings and connect them with affordable care resources through standardized notices. The bill also updates reimbursement rules for dental therapists and directs the dental director to support recruitment of providers focusing on underserved populations.
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Transportation to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2368) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, David Paul Linsky, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions and remove economic roadblocks, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2874).
Senate, December 31, 2025 -- The committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 56) of Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to protect our soil and farms from PFAS contamination, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2802).
Maddy summarySD 542 creates a Medical Advisory Board within the driver's license registry to strengthen reviews for medically conditioned licenses. The board, made of 15 medical professionals appointed by the registrar, provides advisory opinions on fitness to drive, especially for applicants with conditions requiring ongoing medical management or those whose licenses were suspended due to medical reasons. It mandates a stricter review process examining driving and criminal records for these applicants, allowing the registrar to deny or conditionally approve licenses based on the board's recommendation. Conditional licenses require applicants to demonstrate ongoing management of their medical condition, and the board also grants medical exemptions for vision-related window treatments.
Maddy summarySD 1424, "An Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions," removes criminal penalties for driving without a license when the suspension results from unpaid administrative fees (e.g., reinstatement fees), rather than traffic violations. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failing to pay such fees, eliminating prosecution for driving under these circumstances. The bill adds a new process allowing applicants to request fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship when renewing or reinstating a license. It also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send electronic notifications about unpaid assessments to drivers, improving transparency and access to hardship requests.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 56) of Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to protect our soil and farms from PFAS contamination. Agriculture.
Maddy summarySD 1211 establishes a monthly payment plan for Massachusetts motorists with $250 or more in unpaid tolls, fines, or fees through the E-ZPass MA or Pay By Plate systems. It requires the Department of Transportation to contact account holders with over $100 in debt monthly and prohibits additional fines while a payment plan is active. The bill also prevents the Registry of Motor Vehicles from suspending licenses or registrations for participants in the plan who make at least one $25 minimum payment and remain current. Motorists who fall more than 30 days behind on payments risk losing their conditional license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers with significant toll debt under the state's electronic toll collection systems.
Maddy summarySD 1756 allows individuals with suspended or revoked driver's licenses to establish a monthly payment plan for reinstatement fees, with a minimum $25 monthly payment. The bill directly affects people owing fees related to license suspensions, enabling conditional reinstatement after the first payment if otherwise eligible. Key provisions include permitting automatic card payments or checks, revoking conditional status for payments over 30 days late, and requiring full payment for permanent reinstatement. This replaces prior rules with a structured payment option for license reinstatement fees.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2160) of Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
