Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts agencies assisting older adults to include information about the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in their services. Specifically, it mandates that state-funded long-term care facilities provide pre-admission counseling that discusses community-based options like PACE, while also offering this counseling to those paying privately. Additionally, the law directs state officials to study whether Medicaid providers can deliver this counseling and to report annually on how many people receive these services and how many are diverted from institutional care to community programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts Medicaid rules to require elders and people with disabilities who earn above certain income limits to pay back a portion of their excess earnings to healthcare providers. Specifically, eligible individuals would have to pay an amount equal to their surplus income for six consecutive months, with some exceptions for those in specific waiver programs or the special income eligibility group. The law aims to ensure that those with higher incomes contribute more toward the cost of their community-based care services while maintaining access to necessary medical support.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Department of Energy Transformation Planning within the Massachusetts executive office to oversee long-term energy system planning. The department will be led by a commissioner appointed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, who will work under the secretary's supervision. The legislation defines key terms such as "environmental justice population" and "environmental burdens" to ensure that energy planning considers climate change impacts and equitable distribution of resources. By establishing this new department, the bill aims to reform how the state plans its electric grid, natural gas networks, and other utility investments to address equity and climate goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid coverage for doula services, which provide non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals during pregnancy, labor, and the year following childbirth or pregnancy loss. The legislation mandates that the state cover continuous labor support and at least six doula visits, including two postpartum visits, without requiring prior authorization, while also ensuring access for eligible individuals regardless of immigration status. Additionally, the bill establishes a Doula Advisory Committee composed of practicing doulas and community members with personal perinatal experiences to oversee the program and ensure diverse representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to formally integrate health equity into the operations of the Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration of Healers. It requires the department to hire a chief health equity officer and ensures that at least one member of the board has professional experience in health equity while being Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. The legislation also mandates that all health services and policies specifically address the needs of priority populations, which are groups disproportionately impacted by health disparities. Additionally, the bill updates legal definitions to include "health equity" and clarifies the department's duty to reduce identified disparities in care delivery.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts laws to phase out the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs. It defines compact and linear fluorescent lamps by their technical characteristics and sets a ban on selling screw or bayonet base compact fluorescent lamps starting January 1, 2024. The restrictions expand on January 1, 2025, to include pin-base compact fluorescent lamps and all linear fluorescent lamps. The law includes an exemption for lamps used exclusively for image capture, printing, lithography, and film or video projection.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts law to allow veterans who served as firefighters or police officers to buy back their active service time for federal benefits. Under the new provision, these public safety veterans would pay the same rate to purchase this creditable service as current firefighters and police officers do. The change specifically targets veterans with prior service in these roles, enabling them to treat their public safety tenure as equivalent to active military duty for pension and disability purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of energy facilities in Massachusetts to create a detailed preliminary project statement before submitting construction petitions. The statement must analyze public health, environmental, and climate impacts on communities within five miles of the proposed site and explicitly identify any environmental justice populations in that area. Additionally, the bill mandates that applicants describe reasonable alternative locations for the project to ensure a thorough evaluation of potential risks and benefits. These measures aim to improve the siting process by ensuring that local communities are better informed about how energy projects might affect their health and environment.