By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 117) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael J. Barrett and John F. Keenan for legislation to establish basic needs assistance for Massachusetts immigrant residents. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 104) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Maddy summaryHD 628 establishes Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts, requiring the governor to annually proclaim the second Monday in October as this observance. The bill directs the governor to recommend public and school activities to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, honor their histories and contributions, and celebrate their cultures and resilience. It directly affects state government (via the governor's proclamation) and public schools (through recommended exercises). The key mechanism is a mandatory annual state-level recognition, replacing any existing observance with this specific date and purpose.
Maddy summaryHD 1552 requires shelters, schools, and correctional facilities to provide free disposable menstrual products (like pads, tampons, and liners) to menstruating individuals without stigma. It applies to temporary housing providers (e.g., domestic violence shelters, emergency hotels), all public primary/secondary schools, and correctional facilities (jails, prisons). The bill mandates these products be available in convenient, non-stigmatizing ways, such as in restrooms. This directly affects menstruating people experiencing homelessness, attending school, or in detention. The law creates a new requirement for these specific institutions to cover the cost of products.
Senate, October 9, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 2546),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2640).
Senate, July 10, 2025 -- The committee on Public Health to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1549) of Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan, Michael J. Barrett, Patrick M. O'Connor and other members of the Senate for legislation to increase access to disposable menstrual products, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2546).
Maddy summaryHD 867 establishes an advisory board to review and advise on services and policies for people with acquired brain injuries (including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors) and their families. The board, composed of 20 members including state agency representatives, individuals with brain injuries, family caregivers, clinicians, and service providers, will meet quarterly to assess needs, monitor access to rehabilitation services, and track implementation of prior recommendations. It must file biennial reports with state leaders detailing progress on improving community-based support services and policy changes. The bill directly affects individuals with acquired brain injuries, their families, and the state agencies responsible for their care.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1483) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, John F. Keenan, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded pilot program to improve healthcare access for Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID. It requires the health department to create a culturally-specific patient navigation program aligned with the National Academies' Long COVID definition, focusing on reducing barriers to treatment and connecting patients to clinical care, specialists, insurance support, and nonmedical services like housing or transportation assistance. The program includes data collection, needs assessments, and navigation for both medical and social needs, with provisions for reimbursement of navigator services. A consumer advisory board of Long COVID patients and healthcare providers must guide the program's development, and the department must report to the legislature within one year on the pilot's results and potential for expansion.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish a standardized definition for Long COVID (PASC) aligned with national guidelines. It mandates the department to develop a case report form collecting specific patient data - including gender, race, symptoms, infection dates, and diagnosis details - and begin active monitoring of Long COVID cases six months after the law takes effect. The department must publish annual public reports on surveillance findings and submit a detailed progress report to state legislators within one year. This directly affects the state health department's operations and all Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID through the data collection process.
