Sen. Vanna Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (like state fire departments, cities, towns, or fire districts) to provide full-time firefighters with cancer screenings starting three years after they begin working and every three years thereafter. It directly affects firefighters employed by Massachusetts fire departments, including those at military reservations, air bases, and specific regional zones. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers (such as colon, lung, breast, and prostate), with all costs covered by the employer's health plan - no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for firefighters. This mandates a regular, employer-funded health benefit without requiring firefighter contributions.

Senate, January 22, 2026 -- The committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2858).

Maddy summaryThis bill changes a residency requirement for veterans seeking state benefits. It reduces the required continuous residency period from 5 years to 1 year. This directly affects veterans who want to qualify for specific Commonwealth benefits, making it easier for them to become eligible. The key provision is the amendment to the General Laws, shortening the qualifying time frame for veterans to access these benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts property tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It replaces a flat $2000 or $400 exemption with an incremental scale: veterans rated 10% or more disabled by the VA or military receive $400 for 10% disability up to $1,000 for 100% disability, in 10% increments. The exemption applies to primary residences occupied by qualifying veterans or their spouses (if also veterans) and continues annually unless the disability rating drops below 10%. The Department of Revenue must establish this scale by January 1, 2027, to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryHD 3701 requires comprehensive colorectal cancer screening coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for specific groups starting at age 30. It mandates coverage for state employees (via Chapter 32A), Medicaid recipients (Chapter 118E), and private insurance policyholders (Chapters 175, 176A, 176B) using multiple screening methods like colonoscopy, FIT stool tests, and CT colonography. The bill prohibits co-pays, deductibles, or additional charges for all related services, including lab work, physician visits, and polyp removal during screening. It directly affects insured individuals aged 30+ in these coverage categories by ensuring free, medically necessary screening under their existing plans.

Maddy summaryHD 2178 allows the commissioner to designate contagious or infectious diseases of heightened public health importance. Once designated, health insurance plans, Medicaid programs, and other covered health plans must provide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services without cost sharing (like copays or deductibles) or prior authorization. The requirement applies broadly to group health insurance, individual policies, and medical assistance programs, with limited exceptions for tax-exempt plans that would lose status under federal law. The commissioner must maintain a public list of designated diseases and review it annually to renew or remove designations.

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1720) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to regulating visits in state prisons and correctional facilities. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 2085) aims to help apprentices complete their training programs by creating pathways to finish their required hours and certifications. It directly affects apprentices in Massachusetts who are working toward skilled trades careers and the employers who sponsor their training. The key mechanism involves establishing structured opportunities for apprentices to meet training requirements without disruption. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by ensuring more apprentices successfully complete their programs and enter the labor market.

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 173) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard and John F. Keenan for legislation to promote downtown vitality. Community Development and Small Businesses.