Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural communication, not a legislative bill. Senator Bruce Tarr (Minority Leader) formally announced his appointments to the Temporary Senate Committee on Rules, naming himself and Senator Ryan Fattman as members. The document serves as an internal Senate notice to the Clerk, confirming committee membership for procedural purposes. It does not propose new policy, affect any constituents, or require legislative action. No substantive changes to law or regulations are involved.

Senate, March 14, 2024 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Tarr) for the Senate Bill relative to changing the name of the Salisbury Beach State Reservation (Senate, No. 2071).

Senate, December 30, 2024 - Substituted as a new draft (Senator Tarr) for the Senate Bill relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield (Senate, No. 2859).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's health insurance laws to update the names of various regulatory agencies and redefine key terms used in market reviews. It specifically reorganizes the Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by clarifying which divisions fall under it and renaming the commissioner of insurance to the commissioner of health insurance. The legislation also introduces new definitions for concepts such as "health equity," "private equity companies," and "significant equity investors" to provide clearer guidance for oversight. Additionally, it establishes a new "benchmark cycle" for monitoring projected changes in total healthcare expenditures over a three-year period. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework governing the state's health insurance market and improve transparency in regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission by redefining key terms and adjusting the composition of its governing board. It introduces new definitions for concepts such as "health equity," "significant equity investor," and various healthcare entities like pharmacy benefit managers and private equity companies to clarify who is regulated. The legislation also changes how the commission's board is formed, specifying that members will be appointed by the governor, state officials, and legislative leaders rather than solely by the Department of Public Health. Additionally, the bill repeals previous sections related to medical assistance divisions and modifies the oversight structure for the commission. These changes aim to refine the legal framework used to review and regulate the state's healthcare market.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing system for quarries that produce concrete aggregate used in foundations, requiring applicants to submit geological reports and test results to prove the absence of harmful minerals like pyrite and pyrrhotite. It creates a state agency to oversee this process, publish a public database of licensed quarries, and manage a fund to help homeowners with deteriorated foundations caused by these minerals. The legislation also imposes strict liability on unlicensed quarry operators and contractors who use non-compliant concrete, while allowing local governments to set even stricter safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to clarify definitions of key terms like biosimilars, brand name drugs, and generic drugs, ensuring consistent language for pharmaceutical regulation. It expands the scope of entities subject to oversight by including self-insured health plans and explicitly defining pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and pharmacy benefit managers. The legislation also requires pharmaceutical companies to provide early notice of new products or price increases while protecting the confidentiality of their internal business and clinical data. Additionally, it adjusts the assessment fees charged to these industries, setting a minimum rate of 25 percent of the appropriated amount.

Senate, July 15, 2024 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2441) of Bruce E. Tarr, Sally P. Kerans and Kristin E. Kassner (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2859).

Senate, December 27, 2024 -- Report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the House amendment to the Senate relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency (Senate, No. 2520) (amended by the House all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of House document numbered 4910; and by striking out the title and inserting in place thereof the following title: “An Act promoting access and affordability of prescription drugs.”),-- reports, a “Bill relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency” (Senate, No. 3012).