Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit to help low- and moderate-income families stabilize their finances. It allows more people to qualify by lowering the age requirement for adults from 25 to 18 and including students who are at least half-time enrolled in higher education programs. The legislation also increases the maximum income limit to $75,000 and adjusts it annually for inflation, while raising the credit amount for families with more than three children. Additionally, the bill modifies how the credit is phased out for higher earners, ensuring a broader range of working individuals can receive financial support.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state law to require most public meetings to be held as hybrid events, allowing citizens to attend both in person and online. It mandates that meeting notices be posted at least 48 hours in advance on official websites and in public buildings, including details on how to join remotely. The legislation defines hybrid meetings as those conducted simultaneously in a physical location and via internet technology, while also establishing specific rules for emergency situations and hardship waivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a moratorium on the construction and expansion of jails and prisons in Massachusetts. It directly affects state and public agencies by prohibiting them from building new facilities, increasing the capacity of existing ones, or converting other buildings for incarceration purposes. The law also restricts renovations and repairs that would result in increased bed counts, while still allowing necessary maintenance and code compliance work. These restrictions will remain in effect for five years after the bill takes force.

Senate, June 13, 2024The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1979) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Michael J. Barrett, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2821).

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3520) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others relative to public employee benefits for military service members on active duty. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3521) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others relative to COLA adjustments for veteran benefits. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to extend certain benefits and protections to employees of counties, cities, and towns who are also armed service members. By modifying Section 59 of Chapter 33, the legislation ensures that these individuals are covered under the same provisions previously available to other employees. The change removes a specific subsection and replaces it with language that explicitly includes county, city, and town staff in the scope of these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to require that the state's group insurance commission cover biomarker testing for employees and retirees. The legislation defines biomarker testing as the analysis of a patient's biological samples to identify indicators of disease or drug response and mandates coverage when such tests are supported by FDA approvals, federal Medicare decisions, or nationally recognized clinical guidelines. By establishing these specific criteria, the bill aims to ensure that insured individuals have access to necessary diagnostic tools that help doctors determine the most appropriate therapy for their conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Massachusetts Plastics Reduction Act to limit the use of single-use plastics by retail establishments. It defines specific terms such as "carryout bag" and "food service ware" while prohibiting businesses from providing certain disposable plastic items to customers. The legislation sets clear standards for what materials are considered biodegradable or compostable and outlines requirements for reusable and recycled paper bags. By amending state laws, the act directly affects grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and other businesses that sell goods or provide food services to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to biomarker testing for cancer patients in Massachusetts to help them receive the most appropriate therapy. It requires health insurers to cover the cost of these specific tests without imposing additional restrictions or requiring prior authorization beyond what is already standard for other medical services. The legislation directly affects cancer patients, their families, and health insurance providers by ensuring that necessary diagnostic tools are financially accessible. By removing barriers to testing, the bill seeks to facilitate better treatment decisions based on individual patient biology.